Re: multiple definitions of words

Posted by muffled on November 10, 2010, at 13:05:39

In reply to Re: multiple definitions of words » muffled, posted by jane d on November 10, 2010, at 12:57:15

> > > > min·ion noun \ˈmin-yən\
> > > > Definition of MINION
> > > > 1: a servile dependent, follower, or underling
> > > > 2: one highly favored : idol
> > > > 3: a subordinate or petty official
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> > :) Thats why I always usually print the whole definition, cuz you pick the point that 'fits', cuz not all do in any definition generally. You pick the salient points.
> > Eg , in this case, point #3b fits in the usage of the word above. The others...not so much!
> >
> > Definition of SALIENT
> > 1: moving by leaps or springs : jumping
> > 2: jetting upward <a salient fountain>
> > 3a : projecting beyond a line, surface, or level b : standing out conspicuously : prominent; especially : of notable significance <similar to Prohibition, but there are a couple of salient differences Tony Gibbs>
> >
> >
> > Words can have so many meanings, which is why the writen word can be so misconstrued sometimes.
>
> Muffled,
>
> I think the problem comes when the word used has one definition that has a highly negative primary definition - usually listed as #1. And you can never separate a word totally from it's primary meaning. So "minion" is a problem because it mostly means something insulting and that's how it will be interpretated. "Salient" really isn't a problem because none of those definitions are insulting so there's no harm done letting the reader try and guess which usage you mean.
>
> Jane
>
>
Ah, yes, it is in the word 'servile' :

Definition of SERVILE
1: of or befitting a slave or a menial position
2: meanly or cravenly submissive : abject
That is where the negativity lies. The rest I am ok with, but the servile, not so much...
I'd be ok myself with being called a minion, mightn't love it, but be ok....however, servile.....hmmm, thems fightin words!!! ;-)

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Re: some kind of Elders Council muffled 11/10/10
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Bob, you willing to back off? muffled 11/10/10
Re: some kind of Elders Council muffled 11/10/10
re my link above... muffled 11/10/10
Re: multiple definitions of words » muffled jane d 11/10/10
Re: multiple definitions of words muffled 11/10/10
Re: multiple definitions of words muffled 11/10/10
I hope I will be a good civility buddy Deneb 11/10/10
Re: I hope I will be a good civility buddy muffled 11/10/10
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Wonderful!, gardenergirl and floatingbridge Dinah 11/12/10
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Re: Delayed posting hyperfocus 11/12/10
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Re: some kind of Elders Council Dr. Bob 11/13/10
Re: some kind of Elders Council » Dr. Bob 10derheart 11/13/10
resignation, with hope.... floatingbridge 11/13/10
Re:some kind of Elders Council -- Feedback, Bob? Solstice 11/13/10
...
Re: percents sigismund 12/31/10

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