thegameiam ([info]thegameiam) wrote,
@ 2008-07-21 16:35:00
Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Current location:Herndon, VA
Current mood: good
Current music:none
Entry tags:grammar, rant

You keep using that word...
Quantum of Solace

American Heritage Dictionary - QUANTUM - n. pl. quan·ta (-tə)

1) A quantity or amount.
2) A specified portion.
3) Something that can be counted or measured.
4) Physics
4a) The smallest amount of a physical quantity that can exist independently, especially a discrete quantity of electromagnetic radiation.
4b) This amount of energy regarded as a unit.

adj. Relating to or based upon quantum mechanics.

[Latin, from neuter of quantus, how great; see quantity.]


hmm

And then there's apotheosis
n. pl. a·poth·e·o·ses (-sēz')

1) Exaltation to divine rank or stature; deification.
2) Elevation to a preeminent or transcendent position; glorification: "Many observers have tried to attribute Warhol's current apotheosis to the subversive power of artistic vision" (Michiko Kakutani).
3) An exalted or glorified example: Their leader was the apotheosis of courage.

[Late Latin apotheōsis, from Greek, from apotheoun, to deify : apo-, change; see apo- + theos, god; see dhēs- in Indo-European roots.]


I've now heard a second highly educated person use apotheosis when the word they were looking for was epiphany, except given that these were both in the context of an Orthodox synagogue, the users may have been uncomfortable with the Christian connotations (and for that matter the denotations) of the proper word.



Create an Account
Forgot your login or password?
Login w/ OpenID
English • Español • Deutsch • Русский…