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Edit: Perhaps a list of words prone to mis-use would serve the need, here. Is anyone aware of a resource that lists words with emotional baggage? Example: I use the expression 'enormity of...
Question
word-choice
#3: Attribution notice added
by
System
·
2019-12-08T08:06:46Z (over 4 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/33649 License name: CC BY-SA 3.0 License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#2: Initial revision
by
DPT
·
2019-12-08T08:06:46Z (over 4 years ago)
> Edit: **Perhaps a list of words prone to mis-use would serve the need, here.** **Is anyone aware of a resource that lists words with emotional baggage?** Example: I use the expression 'enormity of x' (as in, the enormity of time since the big bang.) Someone mentioned to me that the word 'enormity' is associated with negative actions, like crimes. And indeed, Merriam Webster agrees. This is the first awareness I've had of that connotation. Enormousness seems like an awkward alternative word. To many 's's' not crisp enough. Is 'immensity' laden with baggage? Is there a resource of such words that may have pigeonholed usage? This is a hard question because every word has a flavor. I have to wonder if the sciences use 'enormity' in a neutral way and if that may be how I learned the word.
#1: Imported from external source
by
System
·
2018-02-20T22:03:03Z (about 6 years ago)
Original score: 5