Words
Words have meaning.
At least, they start with a specific meaning.
Over time, words evolve. Their meanings expand, contract, soften, strengthen, and occasionally drift far from where they began.
Some changes are dramatic.
The word awful once meant inspiring awe or wonder. Today, it is rarely used as a compliment.
The word awesome has travelled in the opposite direction. What once described something awe-inspiring can now describe a sandwich, a parking spot, or a pleasant afternoon.
Most of these changes happen so gradually that we scarcely notice them.
Language shifts.
Culture shifts.
Words shift with them.
Over time, words evolve. Their meanings expand, contract, soften, strengthen, and occasionally drift far from where they began.
Some words gain meaning. Others lose it.
Some become broader. Others become more precise.
Many of the words we use today have meanings that would puzzle previous generations just as some words previous generations used puzzle us.
That is neither good nor bad.
It is simply what language does.
As someone who has always enjoyed words, I find their evolution interesting.
A dictionary captures a word at a particular moment in time. Real life keeps moving, and words move with it.
As fascinating as I find the evolution of language, the word hound in me occasionally misses the precision some words once carried.
Your thoughts?
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I have coached and mentored individuals, and facilitated small groups for over 30 years. I am a strong proponent of walking the walk and talking the talk. When I know something works, I like to pass it on to others!
Go to heatherlynnecoaching.com/workshops for more information and to register for my upcoming workshops or seminars!
About Heather O ‘Reilly
I have coached and mentored individuals, and facilitated small groups for over 30 years. I am a strong proponent of walking the walk and talking the talk. When I know something works, I like to pass it on to others!
Join me and start your journey to spark meaningful change in your life. Discover new strategies and develop good habits by registering for our upcoming workshops at heatherlynnecoaching.com/workshops