4 ms·
That was fun to read. I’m happy she mentioned nonplussed since, as a non-native speaker, I never quite grasped its meaning. Now I understand why.
by gniv 7y ago
That was fun to read. I’m happy she mentioned nonplussed since, as a non-native speaker, I never quite grasped its meaning. Now I understand why.
- hodgesrm 7y agoWait until you try to use "sanction" (especially as a verb, where the different meanings are close to opposite). [1] The verb "table" is another one with opposite meanings. [2] The English language appears designed to foil friend and foe alike. [1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanction https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanction [2] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/table https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/table
- marcosdumay 7y agoThe dual meaning of sanction seems to be on every language that imported it from Latin. I imagine is remotes to the Romans. Anyway, both meanings are a positive administrative act, where an executive does the thing he usually does. The different meanings usually don't mix on the same context.