Word (phrase): Harlan's nostrils flared

Associations

The phrase "Harlan's nostrils flared" suggests a strong emotional response, often connected to anger, excitement, or a heightened state of awareness. When someone's nostrils flare, it indicates they are taking in more air, perhaps because they are preparing for a strong reaction.

• In a moment of surprise, Harlan's nostrils flared as he heard an unexpected sound. This shows his immediate instinctive response to danger or curiosity.
• When Harlan faced his rival, his nostrils flared in anger, showcasing the intensity of his feelings. This can illustrate how strongly he is reacting to the situation.
• During an intense workout, Harlan's nostrils flared as he pushed his limits, indicating that he was breathing heavily due to exertion.

In this case, "flared" can be synonymously replaced by "expanded" or "opened up," but "flared" carries a stronger connotation of suddenness and intensity compared to the more neutral "expanded."

Substitution

Instead of "flared," you might use:

• "opened" (more neutral, less emotional)
• "widened" (similar but focuses on the size)
• "dilated" (more technical, often used in medical contexts)

These substitutes can change the meaning subtly. For instance, "dilated" can imply a medical or scientific context, while "widened" is more neutral and descriptive.

Deconstruction

Let's break down the phrase:

• "Harlan" is a proper noun, typically a person's name.
• "nostrils" refers to the external openings of the nose, used for breathing and smelling. It comes from the Old English "nostril," meaning "nostril."
• "flared" is derived from the verb "flare," which means to spread outwards or become wider. It has origins in the Middle English word "fleren," which meant to blaze or burst out.

Historically, physical reactions like nostrils flaring can signal various emotional states, connecting us to animal instincts where heightened awareness or readiness occurs.

Inquiry

Consider these questions:

• When have you experienced a moment when your emotional state made your body react physically?
• Can you think of a time you saw someone’s nostrils flare? What do you think they were feeling?
• How do physical signs like nostrils flaring help convey emotions in storytelling?

By thinking about these questions, you can relate the phrase to your personal experiences and better understand its meaning.