Wordwatch: Dispassionate
It is a common linguistic mistake to use the word dispassionate as the opposite of compassionate.
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It is a common linguistic mistake to use the word dispassionate as the opposite of compassionate.
A “cresendo” is a progression over time that cannot be reached since it defines a transition towards something else.
“Precipitous” is clearly connected to the word “precipice” and we all know what that means.
The term “hang in” is a jumbled up Americanism of the British expression to “hang on.”
The word enjoy has been stripped of its traditional usage by convention and overuse.
The word mitigate, which means to alleviate or lessen often gets muddled with the word militate, to oppose or fight against.
The phrase “to double down” has emerged in journalistic prose recently yet it seems to contradict itself.
The word “carnage” used to have a very specific meaning but it is now carelessly used to describe any sort of damage.
“Hark the Herald Angels sing” is a familiar phrase this time of year, but where does the word “hark” come from?
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