- Published on
(A proofreader's note regarding “climatic” and “climactic”)
Both “climax” and “climate” can take on a suffix;
Most often they partner with “ic.”
By adding its meaning, “pertaining to something,”
We then have two words that may trick.
On one hand “climactic,” the other “climatic,”
Their shticks have a similar click;
And yet what they speak of is so very different,
It gives us a laugh and a kick.
When thinking “climactic,” remember the “-c-t”
Is standing in place of an “x.”
It might have been truly “climaxic” if proper;
Perhaps “x” was seen as a hex!
Considering “max” is a handy mnemonic
When one puts “climactic” to use
As “forming a climax” or “climax-related,”
Its meaning for all who would muse.
“Climatic” will likewise as adjective function,
With “climate” instead as the key.
“Relating to climate” and “influenced by climate”
Are senses we commonly see.
“Climatic conditions conspired against them
When starting the climactic race;
But managing yet a climactic performance,
They finished at pace in first place”