Semantic Antics : How and Why Words Change Meaning
Steinmetz, Sol
ISBN 10: 0375426124 ISBN 13: 9780375426124
Published by Random House Information Group, 2008
Used
Hardcover
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Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
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About this Item
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Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 470974-6
Synopsis:
"My favorite popular word book of the year"
-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.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Bibliographic Details
Title: Semantic Antics : How and Why Words Change ...
Publisher: Random House Information Group
Publication Date: 2008
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Very Good
Edition: First Edition.
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Semantic Antics: How and Why Words Change Meaning
Published by
Random House Reference (edition First Edition), 2008
ISBN 10: 0375426124
ISBN 13: 9780375426124
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: BooksRun, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. First Edition. It's a well-cared-for item that has seen limited use. The item may show minor signs of wear. All the text is legible, with all pages included. It may have slight markings and/or highlighting. Seller Inventory # 0375426124-8-1
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Semantic Antics: How and Why Words Change Meaning
Published by
Random House Reference, U.S.A., 2008
ISBN 10: 0375426124
ISBN 13: 9780375426124
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: SkylarkerBooks, DAYTON, NV, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1ST. Excellent Copy - A First Edition, Second Printing. Book Is In Near Fine Condition. Boards Are Clean, Not Bumped. Fore Edges Have A Tiny Bit Of Shelf Wear. Interior Is Clean And Legible. Not Remaindered. Dust Jacket Is In Near Fine Condition. Not Chipped Or Crinkled. Not Price Clipped. Dust Jacket Is Covered By Mylar Brodart. Thanks And Enjoy. Book. Seller Inventory # 048452
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SEMANTIC ANTICS: How and Why Words Change Meaning
Published by
Random House Reference, 2008
ISBN 10: 0375426124
ISBN 13: 9780375426124
New
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Joe Staats, Bookseller, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 3 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: New. Dust Jacket Condition: New. 1st Edition. Over the years many common English words have changed meaning in fascinating, unusual and unexpected ways. For example: Meat was originally a term used to describe any type of food. It then narrowed in meaning to describe an entire meal, such as breakfast or dinner, and finally settled into the meaning we know today: "the flesh of animals as used for food." 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." With the help of historical, cultural, and literary anecdotes, SEMANTIC ANTICS takes readers on a fun, in-depth A-Z journey to learn how hundreds of words have evolved from one meaning to the next. New, unread, first edition, first printing, in new, mylar-protected dust jacket. {Not remainder-marked or price-clipped} N38. Seller Inventory # 11990