Re: 2 + 2 = 4

In article <DnXef.22294$dO2.261@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
"ed" <news_test@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> oops, my bad!
>
> >>> Of course, this is more rigourous than common usage, as you've
> >>> shown. However common usage has destroyed the meanings of many
> >>> words, which
> >>> is a pet peeve of mine. Decimated has essentially reversed its
> >>> meaning, for example.
> >>
> >> so are you speaking latin, or just old english? language evolves.
> >> it's not a big deal.
> >
> > So the fact that 'synonymous'(the word) is no longer synonymous(old
> > meaning, denoting semantic equivalence) with 'synonymous'(new meaning,
> > connoting reference obliquely) is no big deal to you?
>
> no, you still don't even have it right. it *can* still have the old
> meaning. and no, it's no big deal to me that it's taken on *additional*
> meaning depending on *context*; i'm sure it's a big deal to those who have
> issues with context. do you find it to be a big deal that 'computer' no
> longer refers primarily to people who computer numbers?

No, as in this case the task is the same. A person who processed numbers
has been replaced by a machine that processes numbers, very similar.

Synonymous is a technical term with a precise meaning. Hyperbole has
degraded the precision in common usage, as shown in your example of
'Boston being synonymous with Marathon'. But I know nobody who runs a
half-Boston.

>
> > I find it
> > extremely ironic.
>
> i don't, as the meaning is still largely synonymous. ;D
Under the new definition, of course... ;)


>
> > Or does ironic still necessarily involve irony in
> > this new universe of unbridled semantic drift?
>
> funny you should mention that, as irony is a word that is mercilessly
> misused and i have no doubt that it will officially have new meaning at some
> point.
>
see Alanis Morrissette(probably misspelled, don't care enough to check)
for the new definition of Ironic. Not related.

> > Are there any other words you would like to see reversed? War ->
> > Peace, Freedom -> Slavery, Ignorance -> Strength?
>
> don't get all dramatic now. the definitions of synonymous are still
> related.
>
> > Many words, especially technical terms do have precise meanings,
> > changing them to mean other things is simply nonsensical.
>
> so you didn't answer my question- since you don't like the evolution of
> language, do you primarily speak latin or just old english? ;D

Sorry, I assumed that your question was simply frivolous. Yes, I have
studied Latin, no, I don't speak it at home. As for old english, no,
I've not studied it extensively beyond the Great Vowel Shift.
.

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