Tagged Questions
2
votes
2answers
125 views
Eleusian vs. Eleusinian (and, to a lesser extent, Elysian)
Both Eleusian and Eleusinian are used in relation to mysteries. I've only seen Elysian used in relation to Elysian Fields.
Given that the suffix -ian denotes "of or belonging to," I'm wondering if ...
4
votes
1answer
73 views
Why (and for whom) does “unbeknown” become “unbeknownst”
I know there's been an earlier question What is the meaning and usage of the word “beknownst”?. But nothing there satisfies my curiosity about that extra -st at the end.
I might have supposed the ...
1
vote
1answer
79 views
Differences in the Semantics of Three Tri-Part Phrasal Verbs
What are the subtle semantic differences in the following three tri-part phrasal verbs:
(1) be up against
(2) come up against
(3) run up against
6
votes
4answers
492 views
Different Meanings of 'Jumper' (Transatlantic embarassment)
I'm originally from Wales, now living in the USA, and as the cold weather is approaching I'm determined, this year, to start using the word sweater to describe the item of clothing I'm wearing, as ...
3
votes
4answers
831 views
Does the adjective “swell” have anything to do with the noun/verb “swell”?
Dictionary.com:
swell
1. to grow in bulk, as by the absorption of moisture or the processes of growth.
The other verb meanings and the noun meanings all tend toward the same underlying concept ...
3
votes
4answers
285 views
Do people really think “muslin” has something to do with “Muslim”?
My boss just floored me with a doozy of an assertion: he had me change someone's password, which contained the word "muslin", because "you can't go calling people Muslims in this day and age".
Yeah, ...
2
votes
1answer
320 views
Convolve vs. convolute
I understand that for common usage these words have distinct meanings. However in mathematics there is a process called convolution, and sometimes you hear "you need to convolve X" and sometimes "you ...
8
votes
3answers
422 views
What is the relationship between canon and cannon?
The spelling is similar and the meaning so different. Wiktionary indicates that there might be some relation by linking to canon from cannon but I didn't see any specific statements regarding their ...
2
votes
1answer
2k views
“Fillet” or “filet”
My significant other asked me today whether or not she should use a fillet or filet of steak in a recipe.
What is the difference between fillet and filet, and the history behind these words? Is there ...
1
vote
3answers
3k views
Difference between “unto” and “to”
What are the differences between "unto" and "to"? It seems that in many contexts where the word "unto" is used, "to" could be substituted and would be perfectly correct. It reminds me of ...
1
vote
2answers
823 views
“Scholar” vs. “scientist”
I mainly associate scholar with scholarship. But what's its etymological origin? On scientific websites both scholar and scientist seem to be used with the same meaning; A graduate working actively on ...
5
votes
3answers
308 views
What's the difference between “jelly” and “jam”?
I've seen both words being used (peanut butter and jelly; peanut butter and jam), but I was wondering whether they were both words for the same thing, or if there's actually a distinct difference ...
3
votes
2answers
241 views
Why does the verb “overlook” have such a different meaning from “oversee”?
Oversee:
-verb (used with object), -saw, -seen, -see·ing.
1. to direct (work or workers); supervise; manage: He was hired to oversee the construction crews.
2. to see or observe secretly ...
6
votes
2answers
221 views
“Practise the piano” vs. “practise medicine”
Someone who practises medicine is a professional.
Someone who practises the piano is still learning.
How have these two apparently opposite senses of the word practise arisen?
3
votes
2answers
133 views
Etymology of close |kləʊz| (klōz) & close |kləʊs| (klōs)
In doing research for the question Is it “close-minded” or “closed-minded”?, which was in turn prompted by the discussion under this answer to another question, I realized that some of the confusion ...
11
votes
3answers
7k views
What's the difference between “Collaborate” and “Cooperate”?
Both of these words seem to mean much the same thing: working together to achieve some goal. I can instinctively feel a difference between them, but I can't easily put it into words.
Can you help me? ...
6
votes
4answers
705 views
“Destiny” vs. “Fate”
I'm aware a search will turn up many discussions on the differences or interchangeability of these terms, but it would be good to get some answers here with an emphasis on the etymology of the two ...
25
votes
6answers
10k views
“Oriented” vs. “orientated”
What are the origins of the word orientated?
As far as I know, the correct spelling is oriented and orientated is not an alternative spelling but an error that is in common use.
Is it for example ...
25
votes
5answers
6k views
Is there a difference between “arse” and “ass”?
From a comment here, in frequent usage, arse and ass are often interchangeable when used to refer to buttocks or to a person of dubious charms. However, although “to arse about” has a vague connection ...
23
votes
2answers
889 views
Why are clothes hung and men hanged?
I've heard it said that clothes can be 'hung' but men are 'hanged'. Is this correct, and, if so, why?
