Word: pendant

Associations

A "pendant" is a piece of jewelry that hangs down from a chain, cord, or neck. It's often seen as decorative and can have sentimental value.

• Example 1: She wore a beautiful gold pendant around her neck. This shows that the pendant is made of gold and is a decorative item.
• Example 2: He gave her a pendant for her birthday, which made her very happy. Here, the pendant is a gift, highlighting its sentimental value.
• Example 3: The pendant featured a sparkling gemstone that caught everyone's eye. This indicates that the pendant can also include precious stones, enhancing its beauty.

A well-known synonym for "pendant" is "charm." However, a charm is usually smaller and often attached to a bracelet, while a pendant is larger and typically hangs from a necklace.

Substitution

You can use "necklace" or "amulet" in some contexts, but these words carry a different meaning.

• "Necklace" refers to the entire chain, while a "pendant" is the piece that hangs on the necklace.
• "Amulet" usually has a magical connotation, often believed to protect the wearer, differentiating it from a mere decorative pendant.

Deconstruction

The word "pendant" comes from the French word "pendre," which means "to hang." There are no specific prefixes or suffixes in this word. Its origin indicates that the item hangs down, which is true to its design.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you received or gave a pendant? How did that make you feel?
• In what situations do you usually choose to wear a pendant?
• How does the meaning of "pendant" change when it's used to describe something other than jewelry?