Tuesday, January 11, 2022

I do not think that word means what you think it means.

I've always been fascinated by language and the way we use it. It's interesting to me how so many words have been redefined to mean something other than what they originally meant. 

The most recent example that I've noticed is the use of the word "unprecedented", which has been thrown around a lot in the past couple of years. The dictionary definition is "never done or known before", but recently in the public square the definition seems to have shift and it has become synonymous with "unexpected". It is commonly used to excuse or justify why someone (person, governmental agency, etc.) was caught off guard. Next time you hear it used, substitute the word "unprepared" and see if it doesn't fit the context of what the person is communicating.

What might you need to prepare for that hasn't happened before?


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