con-struct
verb |kənˈstrəkt| [ trans. ]
build or erect (something, typically a building, road, or machine) : a company that constructs oil rigs.
• form (an idea or theory) by bringing together various conceptual elements, typically over a period of time : Ptolemy combined his interests to construct a theory in support of Aristotle.
• Grammar form (a sentence) according to grammatical rules.
• Geometry draw or delineate (a geometric figure) accurately to given conditions.
noun |ˈkänˌstrəkt|
an idea or theory containing various conceptual elements, typically one considered to be subjective and not based on empirical evidence : history is largely an ideological construct.
• Linguistics a group of words forming a phrase.
• a physical thing that is deliberately built or formed.
DERIVATIVES
constructible adjective
constructor |-tər| noun
ORIGIN late Middle English : from Latin construct- ‘heaped together, built,’ from the verb construere, from con- ‘together’ + struere ‘pile, build.’
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Let's play a word game. Look at each cartoon and decide whether the verb or the noun definition more accurately applies to the content. Be careful. In some cases both definitions work equally well.
You may use the comments to help you. A list of the correct answers can be found at the end.
1. The ___ verb ___ noun definition is more appropriate. ___ Both work equally well.
Can you say, "Monstrousity?" I knew you could.
2. The ___ verb ___ noun definition is more appropriate. ___ Both work equally well.
I believe this cartoon can be accurately labeled as graphic circumlocution.
3. The ___ verb ___ noun definition is more appropriate. ___ Both work equally well.
Fool me once... Fool me twice... Let's see if you can get fooled again.
4. The ___ verb ___ noun definition is more appropriate. ___ Both work equally well.
Was there an ego before Freud? Are all humans id-iots? Enquiring minds want to know.
5. The ___ verb ___ noun definition is more appropriate. ___ Both work equally well.
Nest on FOX: How to Make a Freudian Slip out of Whole Cloth by Rudolph Giuliani.
6. The ___ verb ___ noun definition is more appropriate. ___ Both work equally well.
False equivalence is a logical fallacy which describes a situation where there is a logical and apparent equivalence, but when in fact there is none.
A common way for this fallacy to be perpetuated is one shared trait between two subjects is assumed to show equivalence, especially in order of magnitude, when equivalence is not necessarily the logical result.
Fact: “Democrats have consistently stood on the side of comprehensive immigration reform, Democrats have provided strong majorities across the board for comprehensive immigration reform, and you do a disservice when you suggest that nobody was focused on this, because then you don’t know who’s fighting for you and who’s fighting against you.” –President Obama
7. The ___ verb ___ noun definition is more appropriate. ___ Both work equally well.
In other words, this is a spicy premonition about monkey business.
8. The ___ verb ___ noun definition is more appropriate. ___ Both work equally well.
The pen is mightier than the NOzzle of a corporation-controlled, puppet legislature.
9. The ___ verb ___ noun definition is more appropriate. ___ Both work equally well.
Wisconsin Swiss Cheese Logic
10. The ___ verb ___ noun definition is more appropriate. ___ Both work equally well.
I can dig it!
11. The ___ verb ___ noun definition is more appropriate. ___ Both work equally well.
You simply can't make this stuff up.
12. The ___ verb ___ noun definition is more appropriate. ___ Both work equally well.
And finally, the self-made man whose father was just a made man.
Answers: I lied. There is no list of correct answers. The most appropriate choice for each item can be either the verb, the noun, or both, depending on what part of the picture or the text you choose to zero in on.
Thanks for playing.
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