A magical guide to Chicago's best spell-casting shops

Since we're taking a look at "embers" today, let's recall some other words that also make figurative use of fire: a verb meaning "to set on fire, or to bring something into passionate existence," and an adjective meaning "softly bright, like the flickering flame of a candle."

Literal embers are the little glowing pieces of coal or wood from a fire. They're not openly flaming, but they're still burning just a tiny bit. So, figurative embers are little leftover pieces of something that seem to be fading or dying, but they're not dead yet.

Pronunciation:
EM burz

Part of speech:
Countable noun.
(Countable nouns, like "bottle," "piece," and "decision," are words for things that can be broken into exact units. You talk about "a bottle," "three pieces," and "many decisions."
Likewise, talk about one ember or multiple embers.)

Other forms:
Something "embered" is either covered in embers or burned to embers.
You can use the singular noun "ember" if you like, but the plural is much more common.

How to use it:

When you talk about the embers of something, like the embers of hope or the embers of a romance, you're usually either emphasizing how they're mostly destroyed or how they're just alive enough to have the potential to rise up again. (Aren't those qualities the same thing? Sure. But you choose which aspect of your idea to emphasize: its unavoidable total death or its potential for rebirth.)

Often we'll talk about stirring or stoking the embers of something, something that rises from the embers of something else, something whose flames are burning down to embers, etc.

The once-blazing mania for Billy Blanks and Tae Bo never truly went away; it just burned down to embers.

I wrote a series of lessons on literature years ago that never really took shape, so they've gone unused. Poking around in the embers now though, I find salvageable bits.

Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "embers" means when you can explain it without saying "ashes" or "smoldering leftovers."

Think of a time someone tried to keep something going while other people lost interest in it, and fill in the blank: "Trying to _____ just seemed like blowing on the embers."

Example: " Trying to boost attendance at meetings of our high school marine biology club was definitely just a few of us blowing on the embers ."

Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first.

When it comes to word roots, everybody knows what some of them mean, like “ambi/amphi” (“both”) and “circum” (“around”) and “hetero” (“different”). This knowledge helps you explain why words like “automobile” and “autobiography” look similar—in this case, it’s because they both involve the concept of “self.” But what about some of the less obvious roots? Could you explain, for example, why “contain” looks so much like “sustain” by defining “tain”? This month, we're exploring the meanings underlying common words you know. You can usually figure these out by looking for an extremely basic concept common to all the words in each group. We’ll start with easier, more obvious roots and move on to trickier ones as the month goes on!

Yesterday's question: In afflict, conflict, and inflict, what does “flict” mean?

Answer: To strike.

Try this one today: In accent, cantata, concert, and incentive, what does “cant/cent” mean?

1. One opposite of EMBER is

A. EARTHQUAKE
B. DOWNPOUR
C. WILDFIRE

2. The right opportunity might _____ the embers of his ambition.

A. refresh
B. rekindle
C. reawaken

Answers are below.

To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at [email protected].

Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes.

He believed the blood of innocents would serve as fuel on embers of racial hatred that smolder in parts of this nation.

The Magic Chicago Conference, held annually, brings together magicians to share their knowledge and skills through lectures, workshops, and performances. Chicago’s magic scene extends beyond traditional stage magic. The city is known for its close-up magic, where magicians perform tricks right in front of the audience, often using ordinary objects like cards or coins. This intimate style of magic creates a sense of wonder and disbelief, as spectators struggle to comprehend how the tricks are done. Furthermore, magic has become a popular form of entertainment in Chicago, with many theaters and venues regularly hosting magic shows. Audiences of all ages flock to these performances to witness impossible feats and experience the joy and wonder that magic can bring. In conclusion, magic has a rich and diverse presence in Chicago. From the legacy of Harry Houdini to the thriving contemporary magic scene, the city continues to be a hub for magicians and magic enthusiasts alike. Whether it’s on the streets, in theaters, or at magic conventions, Chicago offers a magical experience for all who seek it..

Reviews for "Magical theatre in the Windy City: a behind-the-scenes look"

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Chicago's forgotten wizards: a journey through time