Semantic Antics: How and Why Words Change Meaning
Language: English
Published by Random House Reference &, 2008
- Hardcover
- New
Seller: Revaluation Books, Exeter, United KingdomRevaluation Books
AbeBooks seller since January 6, 2003
Condition: New
US$ 44.20
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
288 pages. 7.75x5.00x1.00 inches. In Stock.
Seller Inventory # 0375426124
- Title
- Semantic Antics: How and Why Words Change Meaning
- Author
- Steinmetz, Sol
- Publisher
- Random House Reference &
- Publication year
- 2008
- Condition
- Brand New
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 0375426124
- ISBN 13
- 9780375426124
- Item weight
- 0.32 kilograms
-William Safire, NY Times 6/22/2008
A fun, new approach to examining etymology!
Many common English words started out with an entirely different meaning than the one we know today. For example:
The word adamant came into English around 855 C.E. as a synonym for 'diamond,' very different from today's meaning of the word: "utterly unyielding in attitude or opinion."
Before the year 1200, the word silly meant "blessed," and was derived from Old English saelig, meaning "happy." This word went through several incarnations before adopting today's meaning: "stupid or foolish."
In Semantic Antics, lexicographer Sol Steinmetz takes readers on an in-depth, fascinating journey to learn how hundreds of words have evolved from their first meaning to the meanings used today.
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Revaluation Books
Exeter, United Kingdom
AbeBooks seller since January 6, 2003
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Edward Bowditch Ltd
Exstowe, Exton
Exeter, United Kingdom EX3 0PP
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Business correspondence address: Exstowe, Exton, Exeter, EX3 0PP
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