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You can see this with many words – the most commonly known word gradually encompasses all similar ones. I don't know if there is a formal linguistic term, but I
by keiferski 2y ago
You can see this with many words – the most commonly known word gradually encompasses all similar ones. I don't know if there is a formal linguistic term, but I call it "conceptual compression." It's when a concept used to have multiple levels, but now just has one. It seems like an inevitable outcome in a society that doesn't care about using language accurately.
- eru 2y agoI'm not quite so pessimistic: just as often, we have concepts splitting in twain to show new distinctions. Btw, the article gets it right and starts with 'Gwern is a pseudonymous researcher and writer.' Headlines are seldom decided by the writers.