Blogs
One word, multiple meanings.
||
My internet friend, Allen, had a question. My comments are in [brackets]. He wrote:
>>Dear Mr.PH, [I prefer pH]
It's me again, I've borthered you several times. Hope you aren't going to be upset. [I'm here to help!]
Today, when I'm trying to memorize some new words, I found out that there is a big problem with memorizing the meanings of some words. For some special English words, they have two or several different meanings.
I know I can't describe what I exactly want to say, so I will give you an example.
"Divert". This word. It means transfer sometimes, but it also means entertainment in certain situations. I think this makes it more difficult for learners to use or memorize it. Also, there are so many words having distinct meanings in different conditions like "divert". That's what I want to say. Do you have any suggestions or tips for me. Thank you in advance. Best, Allen
>>Dear Mr.PH, [I prefer pH]
It's me again, I've borthered you several times. Hope you aren't going to be upset. [I'm here to help!]
Today, when I'm trying to memorize some new words, I found out that there is a big problem with memorizing the meanings of some words. For some special English words, they have two or several different meanings.
I know I can't describe what I exactly want to say, so I will give you an example.
"Divert". This word. It means transfer sometimes, but it also means entertainment in certain situations. I think this makes it more difficult for learners to use or memorize it. Also, there are so many words having distinct meanings in different conditions like "divert". That's what I want to say. Do you have any suggestions or tips for me. Thank you in advance. Best, Allen
[My response] to Yixuan
I don't have any bold ideas. But first, let me say you can feel free to chat with me or email me any time. I tend to speak in general terms on such questions. Time is more important than technique. That is, the more time you spend studying, the more success you will have.
In this case I would look at the parts of the word, including the root of the word. Di- means to divide or separate. So, when you learn "di-" you learn an important part of many words. Divide, divert, diverticulitus, diverge, dive (?), divest, division, dissatisified, dislocate. A dictionary would also tell you -vert is Latin for "turn."
I don't have any bold ideas. But first, let me say you can feel free to chat with me or email me any time. I tend to speak in general terms on such questions. Time is more important than technique. That is, the more time you spend studying, the more success you will have.
In this case I would look at the parts of the word, including the root of the word. Di- means to divide or separate. So, when you learn "di-" you learn an important part of many words. Divide, divert, diverticulitus, diverge, dive (?), divest, division, dissatisified, dislocate. A dictionary would also tell you -vert is Latin for "turn."
So, it is not surprising that divert can mean both "transfer" and "entertainment." In one case, you are di-ing (dividing) or transfering something physically from one place to another. In the second, you are di-ing (dividing) or transfering something metaphorically (in your imagination or in your head) from one place to another. You are diverting your attention, di-ing away from what you were thinking about or your problems and moving your attention to the entertainment.
When you study the base roots of words, it helps you understand them. Chinese does the same thing. Just look at 电影，电听，电脑，and 电视. Even American students are taught to look at the roots of words. Think of prefix, root word, and suffix. Di-vert-ing. Each part of the word give you information about the meaning.
I'll post this as a blog on www.dioenglish.com
Di- to separate
vert - to turn
-ing- it is happening RIGHT NOW!!!
I'm going to divert my attention to my editing work now. My wife is fixing breakfast and soon she will divert it again. She can divert my attention in many ways! HA! You could say I'm going to divert my breakfast from the plate to my stomach too!
pH
vert - to turn
-ing- it is happening RIGHT NOW!!!
I'm going to divert my attention to my editing work now. My wife is fixing breakfast and soon she will divert it again. She can divert my attention in many ways! HA! You could say I'm going to divert my breakfast from the plate to my stomach too!
pH
