Word meaning conflicting ideas

idea hamster

n.

a very creative person; someone who is always able to come up with fresh ideas

[Bus.]

ideation

n.

process of creating ideas ; creation of ideas

compare notes

exp.

share ideas based on a similar experience

[Fig.] E.g.: They were both going through a divorce, so they met to compare notes.

framework

n.

a set of ideas, rules, or beliefs from which something is developed, or on which decisions are based

The educational framework of ISB is much different from the framework (curriculum) where I used to go to school. I do like it though.

empirical

adj.

based on scientific testing or practical experience, not on ideas

I found out that the distance from the pond doesn’t affect the number of plants from the empirical data I collected.

employerism

n.

the preferred terminology used among the management hierarchy of a business establishment in reference to native ideas and common interests related to their particular field.

syn.: slang, jargon

open innovation

n.

innovation paradigm that assumes firms should use external ideas and/or external paths to market in their innovation process

[Tech.];[Bus.] word coined by Henry Chesbrough, who opposes this paradigm to the closed innovation one, where all the innovation process happens within the borders of the firm.

trending topics

n.

ideas, matters that people are currently most interested in

A breath of fresh air

n.

means a different approach or a welcome change to something. Ex.: anna has lots of wonderful ideas and motivation — she is a breath of fresh air.

[Fig.]

realise

Conjugate

v.

perceive (an idea or situation) mentally

«I just realised how important is that trip for you.»

beats me!

exp.

I have no idea; I don’t have a clue

[Informal] E.g.: Why was she upset? — Beats me!

freakishly

adv.

extremely [with the idea of «abnormally»]

freakishly successful/large/lifelike

to foreground

Conjugate

v.

to emphasize (an issue, idea or word)

best (or greatest) thing since sliced bread

id.

Used to express one’s enthusiasm about a new person, or a new thing such as an idea, plan, invention or innovation

The way she goes on about him!; you’d think he was the greatest thing since sliced bread / Wow! this video game is the best thing since sliced bread!

Last Update: Jan 03, 2023

This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!


Asked by: Dasia Lubowitz I

Score: 5/5
(50 votes)

The adjective conflicting is rooted in the word conflict for a reason: When things are conflicting they’re in conflict, disagreeing or contradicting each other. Conflicting reports or theories go against each other. Sometimes people get conflicting emotions when they’re torn over a really hard decision.

What does it mean if someone is conflicting?

The definition of conflicted is being in a state of emotional confusion. When two of your friends are fighting and you see both sides of the argument and aren’t sure who is right or what the best thing is for you to do, this is an example of when you feel conflicted. adjective.

How do you use the word conflicting?

Conflicting sentence example

  1. All would go well until they had conflicting ideas about how something should be done. …
  2. Despite his words, she saw the conflicting emotions on his face. …
  3. As to his birthplace the testimonies are conflicting .

What is the meaning of conflicting ideas?

Conflicting beliefs, needs, facts, etc. are different and opposing: conflicting opinions/ideas/advice. We all work hard to handle the conflicting interests (= interests which are difficult to combine) of a career and a family.

Do you resent me meaning?

To resent something is to feel anger or bitterness toward it. You might resent someone who has treated you poorly. To resent is a strong, negative feeling. … You might resent a friend who has more money or friends than you.

38 related questions found

Is Conflicted an emotion?

Emotional conflict is the presence of different and opposing emotions relating to a situation that has recently taken place or is in the process of being unfolded.

What is the word for conflicting statement?

contradictory Add to list Share. A contradictory statement is one that says two things that cannot both be true. … Contradictory is related to the verb contradict, which means to say or do the opposite, and contrary, which means to take an opposite view.

What does conflicted mean in a relationship?

A conflict in a relationship may be defined as any kind of disagreement, including an argument, or an ongoing series of disagreements,for example, about how to spend money. … Conflicts and disagreements may result in us becoming angry, and they may also arise because we have become angry about something else.

What does it mean conflicting appointments found?

It means that you have two events or appointments at the same time, so it creates a problem.

What is a conflicting goal?

Conflicting goals mean that development goals of a particular person or group is harmful and opposite to another persons development goals. For example a rich business man can have development goal of erecting a large dam.

What are conflicting feelings?

Ambivalence is a state of having simultaneous conflicting reactions, beliefs, or feelings towards some object. Stated another way, ambivalence is the experience of having an attitude towards someone or something that contains both positively and negatively valenced components.

What does I am conflicted mean?

(kənˈflɪktɪd) adjective. unable to decide between opposing feelings or views. I honestly don’t know what I think about the situation. I’m conflicted.

What is ambivalence?

1 : simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (such as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action felt ambivalence toward his powerful father ambivalence toward marriage. 2a : continual fluctuation (as between one thing and its opposite)

What is the word for two opposing ideas?

Antithesis: A pair of opposing or contrasting ideas or things.

What do you call a contradictory person?

Hypocrite: A person who claims or pretends to have certain beliefs about what is right but who behaves in a way that disagrees with those beliefs.

What are the 4 types of conflicts?

The opposing force created, the conflict within the story generally comes in four basic types: Conflict with the self, Conflict with others, Conflict with the environment and Conflict with the supernatural. Conflict with the self, the internal battle a lead character has within, is often the most powerful.

What emotions cause conflicts?

Normal feelings of anger, fear, hurt and frustration are typically present in conflicts between individuals or groups. These feelings, and the circumstances of the threat presented by the conflict, cause our bodies to react in the «fight or flight» stress response.

What type of conflict is often emotional?

Relationship conflict. This centers on interpersonal differences and the social and emotional relationships that accompany them. It is also known as affective conflict and characterized by interpersonal animosity and dislike. It creates strong negative feelings such as frustration, anger and hatred.

What is anxiety an emotional source of conflict?

Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud viewed anxiety as the symptomatic expression of the inner emotional conflict caused when a person suppresses (from conscious awareness) experiences, feelings, or impulses that are too threatening or disturbing to live with.

  • 1
    conflicting opinions

    conflicting opinions противоречивые мнения

    Англо-русский словарь Мюллера > conflicting opinions

  • 2
    conflicting opinions

    противоречивые мнения

    Большой англо-русский и русско-английский словарь > conflicting opinions

  • 3
    conflicting opinions

    Универсальный англо-русский словарь > conflicting opinions

  • 4
    conflicting opinions

    Англо-русский большой универсальный переводческий словарь > conflicting opinions

  • 5
    conflicting opinions

    Новый англо-русский словарь > conflicting opinions

  • 6
    conflicting opinions

    Англо-русский современный словарь > conflicting opinions

  • 7
    to reconcile conflicting opinions

    English-Russian combinatory dictionary > to reconcile conflicting opinions

  • 8
    conflicting

    conflicting [kənˊflɪktɪŋ]

    Англо-русский словарь Мюллера > conflicting

  • 9
    conflicting

    Большой англо-русский и русско-английский словарь > conflicting

  • 10
    conflicting

    [kənˈflɪktɪŋ]

    conflicting pres. p. от conflict conflicting противоречащий, коллидирующий conflicting противоречивый; conflicting opinions противоречивые мнения conflicting противоречивый conflicting противоречивый; conflicting opinions противоречивые мнения

    English-Russian short dictionary > conflicting

  • 11
    conflicting

    1.

    present participle

    of conflict 2.

    противоречивый; conflicting opinions противоречивые мнения

    Syn:

    contradictory

    * * *

    (a) противоречивый

    * * *

    несовместимый, противоречащий, противоречивый

    * * *

    [con·flict·ing || kən’flɪktɪŋ]
    противоречивый, разноречивый

    * * *

    конфликт

    противоречивый

    * * *

    несовместимый

    Новый англо-русский словарь > conflicting

  • 12
    conflicting

    [kən’flɪktɪŋ]

    прил.

    несовместимый, противоречащий, противоречивый

    Syn:

    Англо-русский современный словарь > conflicting

  • 13
    conflicting

    [kənʹflıktıŋ]

    противоречивый

    conflicting emotions [opinions] — противоречивые чувства [мнения]

    НБАРС > conflicting

  • 14
    opinion

    [ə’pɪnjən]

    n

    мнение, точка зрения, заключение

    We should get another opinion on the matter. — Следует выслушать и другое мнение по этому вопросу.

    There can be no two opinions as to it. — Не может и быть двух мнений по этому вопросу.

    I haven’t much of an opinion of him. — Я о нем невысокого мнения.

    This opinion meets with violent opposition. — Это мнение встречает яростное сопротивление.

    well-grounded opinion


    — dominant opinion
    — public opinion
    — smb’s political opinions
    — critical opinion
    — contrary opinions
    — dangerous opinions
    — unified opinion
    — hastily formed opinion
    — scientific opinions
    — medical opinion
    — influential opinion
    — religious opinions
    — liberal opinions
    — prevailing opinion
    — one’s personal opinion
    — expert opinion
    — opinion poll
    — opinions differ o
    — press opinion
    — different opinions on this subject
    — matter of opinion
    — matter of personal opinions
    — man of moderate opinions
    — unanimity of opinion
    — variety of opinion
    — men of various all shades of opinion
    — in my opinion
    — in the opinion of most of them
    — have a high opinion of smb
    — give one’s opinion
    — form an unbiased opinion
    — share smb’s opinion
    — be of the same opinion
    — be of the opinion that…
    — form a wrong opinion
    — expect an unbiased opinion from smb
    — weigh every opinions
    — have a good opinion of oneself
    — be of a poor opinion of smth, smb
    — have no decided opinion
    — get another opinion
    — form public opinion
    — control public opinion
    — dominate public opinion
    — arouse public opinion
    — study postwar public opinion
    — hesitate between two opinions
    — rally world opinion
    — reflect the opinion of a large section of the population
    — envite the opinions of scientists
    — voice the opinion of others
    — exchange opinions with smb
    — discredit an opinion
    — quote an opinion
    — approve an opinion
    — spread an opinion
    — entertain an opinion
    — give an opinion
    — disprove an opinion
    — accept an opinion
    — advance forth an opinion
    — reconcile conflicting opinions
    — arouse opposing opinions
    — treat smb’s opinion lightly
    — shake smb’s opinion
    — obtain smb’s opinions
    — alter smb’s opinion
    — bear out smb’s opinion
    — sound smb’s opinion
    — ask smb’s opinion about smth
    — hold an opinion of one’s own
    — hase one’s opinion on facts
    — state one’s frank and full opinion
    — express smb one’s frank and full opinion
    — change one’s opinion
    — get one’s opinion from books
    — make one’s opinion respected
    — act according to one’s own opinion
    — air one’s opinions
    — impose one’s opinion on smb
    — respect smb’s opinion
    — regard smb’s opinion
    — reject smb’s opinion
    — expert opinions is variable
    — public opinion was indignant
    — public opinion objects to such measures
    — there exists an opinion that…
    — opinion prevails

    ASSOCIATIONS AND IMAGERY:

    Мнение о чем-либо ассоциируется с описанием того, что видится с определенной точки зрения. Это отражается, например, в следующих примерах: We want to get a range of different views. Нам нужно получить разные мнения/точки зрения по этому поводу. In my view, women should be paid the same as men. С моей точки зрения женщины должны получать зарплату равную с мужчинами. /Я считаю, что женщины должны получать зарплату равную с мужчинами. It is important to look at this from the child’s point of view. Важно посмотреть на это с детской точки зрения. From a personal viewpoint, I’d say the whole thing was a disaster. Я лично считаю, что все это сплошной ужас. /Мне все это видится как абсолютный провал. The book is written from the vantage point of the losers. Книга написана с точки зрения/с позиции потерпевшего/проигравшего. I see things from a slightly different perspective. Я смотрю на это несколько иначе. /Мне это видится в другом свете. From where we stand, there is only one answer to that question. С нашей точки зрения на этот вопрос есть только один ответ. He spelled out his vision of the future. Он описал свое видение будущего. Try to see it from somebody else’s standpoint. Постарайтесь посмотреть на ситуацию с другой точки зрения/с другой позиции. Let’s look at this from a slightly different angle. Давайте посмотрим на это несколько под иным углом зрения. There’s more to it than meets the eye. Думаю, здесь гораздо больше, чем лежит на поверхности. He accused his opponents of suffering from tunnel vision. Он обвинял своих оппонентов в предвзятом/ограниченном/однообразном/прямолинейном видении (ситуации). She’s always had a blind spot where her children are concerned. Когда дело касается ее детей, она теряет ясность суждения/всякую объективность

    WAYS OF DOING THINGS:

    Кроме модальных глаголов, глаголов суждения и говорения типа to agree, to believe, to guess, to think, to suppose, to imagine, to realise, to admit, to demand, to deny, to suggest, to tell, to promise, мнение о высказанном событии может быть выражено рядом наречий и наречных оборотов. Такие наречия и наречные обороты часто относятся ко всему утверждению и стоят в начале предложения. К ним относятся: (1.) наречия оценки говорящим того, что утверждается: fortunately/luckily — к счастью, unfortunately — к несчастью, strangely (though) — довольно странно, unexpectedly — неожиданно/против ожиданий и др.; (2.) наречия субъективной оценки главного действия утверждения: kindly — любезно, foolishly — глупо, wisely — умно/мудро и др.; (3.) наречия и наречные обороты, смягчающие определенность или уменьшающие степень всеобщности утверждения: as a rule — как правило, broadly speaking/generally speaking — вообще говоря, essentially/fundamentally — в основном, on the whole — в общем, и др.; (4.) наречия, выражающие степень уверенности говорящего в том, что утверждается: almost certainly — почти наверняка, possibly — возможно, perhaps — может быть, probably — вероятно/возможно, partly — от части, no doubt — без сомнения, definitely — определённо/безусловно и др.; (5.) наречия, выражающие степень очевидности/неочевидности того, что утверждается: hardly — едва ли, naturally — естественно, obviously — очевидно/с очевидностью, of course — конечно же; (6.) наречия оценки степени соответствия того, что утверждается, действительности: actually — в действительности, indeed — и в правду, really/truly — действительно и др.; (7.) наречия и наречные обороты оценки говорящим самого факта утверждения: frankly speaking/honestly — откровенно говоря, I need hardly say — и говорить об этом не надо и др., а также некоторые другие типы наречий и наречных оборотов.

    English-Russian combinatory dictionary > opinion

  • 15
    opinion

    [ə’pɪnjən]

    сущ.

    1) взгляд, мнение, убеждение

    frank / honest opinion — откровенное мнение

    prevailing / prevalent opinion — преобладающее мнение

    opinion former / maker — лицо, формирующее общественное мнение

    opinion about / on smth. — мнение по поводу чего-л.

    to air / express / give / offer / pass / state / venture / voice an opinion — выразить мнение

    to entertain / have / hold an opinion — иметь мнение

    to form an opinion about smb. / smth. — составить мнение о ком-л. / чём-л.

    to have a high opinion of smb. / smth. — быть хорошего, высокого мнения о ком-л. / чём-л.

    to have a low opinion of smb. / smth. — быть низкого, плохого мнения о ком-л. / чём-л.

    to have no opinion of smb. / smth. — не иметь мнения о ком-л. / чём-л.

    She has strong opinions about everything. — У неё есть свои твёрдые убеждения по любому вопросу.

    I still have not formed an opinion about the candidates. — Я ещё не составил мнения о кандидатах.

    He has a high opinion of himself. — Он высокого о себе мнения.

    The court handed down an opinion. — Суд объявил своё решение.


    — matter of opinion

    Syn:

    2) оценка; мнение, заключение специалиста

    to have / get / take / another opinion — пригласить ещё одного специалиста; запросить мнение ещё одного эксперта


    — lay opinion
    — counsel’s opinion
    — have the best opinion

    Syn:

    ••

    Opinions differ. посл. — О вкусах не спорят.

    Англо-русский современный словарь > opinion

  • 16
    разный

    Большой англо-русский и русско-английский словарь > разный

  • 17
    be exposed to

    быть незащищенным от ч.-л.

    She also thinks that children are exposed to conflicting opinions and examples which confuse them.

    Англо-русский универсальный дополнительный практический переводческий словарь И. Мостицкого > be exposed to

  • 18
    divergent

    1. a расходящийся

    2. a отклоняющийся, отступающий, отходящий, уклоняющийся

    3. a отклоняющийся, отличный

    4. a спец. вызываемый отклонением; характеризуемый дивергенцией

    5. a спец. дивергентный

    6. a опт. рассеивающий

    Синонимический ряд:

    1. abnormal (adj.) aberrant; abnormal; anomalistic; anomalous; atypical; deviant; deviating; irregular; off-key; preternatural; unnatural; unregular

    2. different (adj.) conflicting; different; disparate; dissimilar; distant; diverse; other; otherwise; unalike; unequal; unsimilar; variant; variant divagating; various

    3. digressing (adj.) digressing; divagating; separate

    4. unlike (adj.) altered; changed; contrary; distinct; opposite; special; unlike

    Антонимический ряд:

    combined; similar

    English-Russian base dictionary > divergent

  • См. также в других словарях:

    • conflicting opinions — opposed opinions, contradictory judgments …   English contemporary dictionary

    • conflicting — /kənˈflɪktɪŋ/ (say kuhn flikting) verb 1. present participle of conflict. –adjective 2. in disagreement: conflicting opinions. 3. generating conflict: a conflicting issue …  

    • conflicting — adjective 1. in disagreement (Freq. 2) the figures are at odds with our findings contradictory attributes of unjust justice and loving vindictiveness John Morley • Syn: ↑at odds, ↑contradictory, ↑self contradictory • …   Useful english dictionary

    • conflicting — con‧flict‧ing [kənˈflɪktɪŋ] adjective conflicting ideas, beliefs, or opinions are different from each other and cannot both be true: • Customers are being given conflicting advice by manufacturers. * * * conflicting UK US /kənˈflɪktɪŋ/ adjective… …   Financial and business terms

    • conflicting outlooks — contrasting points of view, opposing opinions …   English contemporary dictionary

    • public opinion — the collective opinion of many people on some issue, problem, etc., esp. as a guide to action, decision, or the like. [1560 70] * * * Introduction       an aggregate of the individual views, attitudes, and beliefs about a particular topic,… …   Universalium

    • Moral Theology — • Limited to those doctrines which discuss the relations of man and his free actions to God and his supernatural end, and propose the means instituted by God for the attainment of that end Catholic Encyclopedia. Kevin Knight. 2006. Moral Theology …   Catholic encyclopedia

    • BET HILLEL AND BET SHAMMAI — BET HILLEL AND BET SHAMMAI, two schools of exposition of the Oral Law, named after hillel and shammai who lived at the end of the first century B.C.E. and the beginning of the first century C.E. These two schools existed from the time of these… …   Encyclopedia of Judaism

    • opinion — noun 1 what you think about sb/sth ADJECTIVE ▪ good, high ▪ low, poor ▪ strong ▪ conflicting, different …   Collocations dictionary

    • Talmud and Midrash — ▪ Judaism Introduction       commentative and interpretative writings that hold a place in the Jewish religious tradition second only to the Bible (Old Testament). Definition of terms       The Hebrew term Talmud (“study” or “learning”) commonly… …   Universalium

    • conflict — con|flict1 W2S2 [ˈkɔnflıkt US ˈka:n ] n [Date: 1400 1500; : Latin; Origin: conflictus, from the past participle of confligere to strike together , from com ( COM ) + fligere to strike ] 1.) [U and C] a state of disagreement or argument between… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

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    Other forms: contradictions

    A contradiction is a situation or ideas in opposition to one another. Declaring publicly that you are an environmentalist but never remembering to take out the recycling is an example of a contradiction.

    A «contradiction in terms» is a common phrase used to describe a statement that contains opposing ideas. Examples of a contradiction in terms include, «the gentle torturer,» «the towering midget,» or «a snowy summer’s day.» A person can also express a contradiction, like the person who professes atheism, yet goes to church every Sunday.

    Definitions of contradiction

    1. noun

      opposition between two conflicting forces or ideas

    2. noun

      the speech act of contradicting someone

      “he spoke as if he thought his claims were immune to
      contradiction

    3. noun

      (logic) a statement that is necessarily false

      “the statement `he is brave and he is not brave’ is a
      contradiction

      synonyms:

      contradiction in terms

    DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘contradiction’.
    Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
    Send us feedback

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    Linkers are words or phrases that we use to link (i.e. connect or join) ideas.

    It was raining. I stayed at home.

    In this example, we can see that the first idea, ‘It was raining.’ is the reason for the second idea, ‘I stayed at home.’ Or, ‘I stayed at home’ is a result of ‘It was raining.’ We can use linkers such as so or therefore to make the relationship between the two ideas clear.

    It was raining, so I stayed at home.

    It was raining. Therefore, I stayed at home.

    Function 1: Adding ideas.

    Typically we use the basic linking words “and,” “also,” and “too,” to express “adding” ideas.

    Function 2: Explaining expected results, outcomes, and consequences.

    When we express expected results, outcomes and consequences, we typically use the basic linking words: “because” and “so.”

    You can replace these basic linking words with the advanced linking words, “as a result,” “as a consequence,” “consequently”, “due to,” and “therefore.”

    Function 3: Conflicting ideas (explaining unexpected results/outcomes).

    When we talk about two conflicting ideas in one sentence, we often use the basic linking word, “but.”

    You can replace “but” with more advanced linking words: ”although,” “however,” “in spite of (the fact that),” “despite (the fact that),” “nevertheless”, and “yet,” to sound more sophisticated.

    Listed below are some of the important linkers. Let us now learn them.

    type of linker

    examples

    broad meaning

    example

    cause and effect

    because, so, accordingly, thus, consequently, hence, therefore, as

    introduces a reason and shows result

    We had to wait because, it was raining.

    comparison

    similarly, likewise, whereas, but, on the other hand, except, by comparison, when compared to, equally, in the same way

    identifies similarities between two ideas

    Life is difficult in extreme polls; similarly, it is horrible near the Equatorial regions.

    contrast

    but, however, yet, still, even though, nevertheless, on the other hand, otherwise, after all, for all of that, on the contrary, notwithstanding, in contrast, unlike, whereas, instead of, alternatively, although

    identifies differences between two ideas

    Raj did not perform well in the exam; nevertheless, he got a distinction in English.

    time

    at once, immediately, meanwhile, at length, in the meantime, at the same time, in the end, when, then, as, before that, after that

    indicates time and frequency of events

    The bell rang and the students left immediately.

    addition

    and, also, even, again, moreover, further, furthermore, similarly, in addition, as well as

    adds ideas in support of the main idea

    It is very hot today; moreover, there is a power outage.

    example

    for example, such as, for instance, in this case, in another case, on this occasion, in this situation, in this manner, to illustrate

    introduces illustrations in support of the main idea

    I think he is very rich; for example, he gave a hundred rupee note to a beggar.

    sequence

    first, second, third, next, then, following, now, at this point, after, after this, subsequently, eventually, finally, previously

    shows the importance of the ideas by listing according to the priority

    There is a students’ procession today; therefore, they diverted the traffic.

    summary

    in brief, on the whole, in sum, to sum up, thus

    draws conclusion by summarizing the ideas

    It is a love story, the actors performed well, the direction is excellent, the settings are beautiful; in brief, it is a good film.

    bittersweet-chocolate

    When we think of oxymorons, we often think of two-word phrases with seemingly opposite components, like «alone together» or «sweet sorrow.» But in some instances, a single word is all it takes.

    Let’s get this one out of the way. When we learn about oxymorons, bittersweet is often one of the first words given as an example. The word combines two of the five taste sensations, the others being salty, sour, and savory (umami).

    Whether bitter is really the opposite of sweet on the taste spectrum is arguable, but they are often contrasted since bitter is associated with medicines or some vegetables (like radishes) while sweet is associated with, well, sweets (candy and desserts).

    Bittersweet is the word for a pleasant feeling that is nonetheless marked by sadness or regret, such as the feeling one might have upon graduating from school, where many friendships were made. In cuisine, it describes things like dark chocolate, which is thought of as sweet but in reality contains little sugar, so has a sharper taste than regular chocolate.

    image563817979

    The term chiaroscuro, used in Renaissance painting, refers to the transition from light to shadow across an object (such as a muscled arm) to create the perception of depth. It was featured notably by Leonardo da Vinci in such works as The Adoration of the Magi (ca. 1481-82). In its original Italian, chiaro means “clear or light,” while oscuro means “obscure or dark.”

    One ambitious curator went for a whole Caravaggio, ‘The Supper at Emmaus’, using clever kitchen lighting for some real-life chiaroscuro.

    Katie McCabe, TimeOut London, 20 Apr. 2020

    owl-tilting-head

    Preposterous suggests the idea of conflict in its meaning: “contrary to nature, reason, or common sense,” as in “a preposterous notion.”

    The Latin praeposterus literally means “in the wrong order.” The prefix prae- means “in front of, before,” and posterus means “following” or “behind” (as in posterior). Combining the idea of before and after leads to a word that describes something that makes so little sense that it leaves you shaking your head.

    glasses-on-books

    Sophomore is the term for a student in the second year at college or a 4-year secondary school. That noun combines sophos, the Greek adjective meaning “wise,” with its intellectual opposite mōros, meaning “foolish.”

    The adjective sophomoric has two meanings that bring a somewhat negative connotation to sophomores: “conceited and overconfident of knowledge but poorly informed and immature” (as in “a sophomoric argument”) or “lacking in maturity, taste, or judgment” (as in “sophomoric humor”).

    The suggestion is that after a year into high school or college, a sophomore might think they know everything there is to know, but really has a long way to go.

    woman-playing-piano

    Like chiaroscuro, pianoforte is an Italian term used in the arts, combining the adjectives for “soft” and “loud.” The music direction forte-piano means “loud then immediately soft.”

    Our word piano, referring to the instrument, is short for pianoforte; the full Italian name of the instrument is gravicembalo col piano e forte—literally, “harpsichord with soft and loud,” due to the fact that its tones could be varied in loudness.

    He was very warmly thanked both by mother and daughter; to escape a little from the latter, he went to the pianoforte, and begged Miss Fairfax, who was still sitting at it, to play something more.

    — Jane Austen, Emma, 1815

    superette-awning

    Superette might not strike you as the most obvious oxymoron. It’s a somewhat regional word for a small convenience-type grocery store, often used in business names (“Carson’s Superette”).

    It starts with super, which it gets from supermarket. Supermarket was coined by adding the prefix super- (“higher in quantity, quality, or degree”) to the noun market for a large store that carried a vast assortment of groceries and other household goods.

    And then an interesting thing happens with superette. It takes that remaining super- prefix from supermarket and then replaces market with the diminutive suffix -ette (as found in words like kitchenette or featurette).

    So elements that mean “great” and “small” combine to form a noun for a place to pick up your provisions.

    man-with-lots-of-shopping-bags

    A person who is thrifty does not like to spend money. (Hence you might buy vintage clothing for cheap at a thrift store.) So how did we arrive at spendthrift for a word for someone who spends money wastefully?

    It makes more sense when you read the “thrift” in spendthrift as a noun that can refer to the savings that one has accumulated through the careful management of money. A spendthrift, thereore, is a person who foolishly squanders those savings.

    The word follows an earlier obsolete noun dingthrift, with ding meaning “to deal blows to, knock down, or beat.”

    the-word-oxymoron

    We couldn’t have a list of oxymorons without mentioning oxymoron itself. The Ancient Greeks came up with this term for a rhetorical device employing contradiction by combining the word for “sharp, keen” (oxys) with the aforementioned mōros, meaning “foolish.”

    Oftentimes a phrase cited as an example of an oxymoron is really just a play on words. There is nothing really contradictory about jumbo shrimp, for example—a shrimp is a crustacean that comes in a variety of sizes and happens to have another sense meaning “a small thing.” Others, such as guest host or plastic glass, depend on how much credence you give to the idea of their components being opposites.

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