 OT words (by 6x6 [TN]) Oct 21, 2021 1:37 PM
 OT words (by NE [PA]) Oct 21, 2021 1:40 PM
OT words (by plenty [MO]) Oct 21, 2021 2:01 PM
OT words (by WMH [NC]) Oct 21, 2021 2:06 PM
OT words (by Vee [OH]) Oct 21, 2021 2:07 PM
OT words (by Sisco [MO]) Oct 21, 2021 2:39 PM
OT words (by Allym [NJ]) Oct 21, 2021 3:17 PM
OT words (by Salernitana [CA]) Oct 21, 2021 3:19 PM
OT words (by JB [OR]) Oct 21, 2021 5:54 PM
OT words (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2021 1:37 PM
Message:
Sometimes I have to look up words that I don't understand, can't pronounce, or know the meaning to. ( Okay, a lot of times )
One thing I really don't understand is why certain words are used sometimes. Sometimes the definition of the word is shorter then, or as short as the word itself.
Example from Marriam-Webster:
Untoward: Untoward means "unruly, unfavorable, or improper."
// The rules specify that untoward behavior will not be tolerated.
Why not just say one of those other common words?
Sorry if this is a dumb question but I would really like to know the answer. I figured that some of you English majors on here would know the answer.
Thank you for your time.
--73.120.xx.xxx |
OT words (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2021 1:40 PM
Message:
Older users of English (several hundred years ago) were way more articulate than we are today. Kids today speak in alphabet soup. --174.198.xx.xx |
OT words (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2021 2:01 PM
Message:
Could it be education and demographics? --172.58.xxx.xxx |
OT words (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2021 2:06 PM
Message:
Sometimes one words sounds kinder or gentler, or even harder or meaner, even if they "mean" the same thing.
Untoward behavior sounds more civilized than unruly behavior. --50.82.xxx.xxx |
OT words (by Vee [OH]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2021 2:07 PM
Message:
I think a lot of people speaking sound like they are simultaneously chewing rubber bands, most of the the help line calls you know they are eating and answering the phone... --76.188.xxx.xxx |
OT words (by Sisco [MO]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2021 2:39 PM
Message:
6, re read what you posted. 3 words that are somewhat similar - but not the same as must be thought of to get the reader on the track of the definition. A strong vocabulary is a great asset.
--149.76.xxx.xxx |
OT words (by Allym [NJ]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2021 3:17 PM
Message:
I think it is a broader meaning than "bad" or "illegal" and can be used to cover more problems. It can mean anything from burping in front of someone, or the opposite, and can also cover a beating and worse. Seems more like legal speak to me and doesn't limit the scope of the bad deed. I think that's why someone would use that. Why do I know this and not you? I am an only child and had many lonely times doing nothing but reading. My Dad bought a lifetime subscription to Reader's Digest in 1930 something I think, for $25 which was probably about two weeks salary. He kept every one. I read every one. First the little sayings at the bottom of the articles. Then Life in These United States and then the third go round was the articles in my teens. Library was a long walk away though I did get a dozen books at a time when I could get a ride there. Read to your children and start at age 3. Let them see the book too so words are friends. Comics and comic books are OK too, anything they will read. College Board did a study and found that early reading experience will help later. I was 16th in high school class of 750 students. 98 percentile on tests. Broke the aptitude test in high school and had to be scored on the boys' scale. Told to be an engineer but I don't like math that much. Got scholarship offers but mom would not divulge her financials so went to local state college. Don't feel bad if you did not have this experience. It was not fun. --108.24.xx.xx |
OT words (by Salernitana [CA]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2021 3:19 PM
Message:
One purpose of a word is to be understood by its audience/reader/listener/the other. By using a word that is not used often in everyday parlance, a speaker or writer risks not being acknowledged, not heard, or properly recognized.
Language evolved over millennia. Although certain words are in an English Dictionary, they may be less used over time and through cultural changes.
--107.142.xxx.xx |
OT words (by JB [OR]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2021 5:54 PM
Message:
6x6, how boring would language be if everything were to be described with only one word? --73.25.xx.xxx |
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