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I recently read an article where the author proclaimed,
“Words are hard.”
He went on to say that words are hard no matter what language we speak because it is hard to keep their definitions straight.
He also lamented. “When you throw synonyms into the mix and chaos ensues.”
Needless to say, I chuckled a bit. I wanted to write and let him know about a little item called a dictionary. And when studied, that little book can teach you all sorts of definitions.
I know I am not perfect. I’ve screwed up plenty of words in my life. And every once in a while, I struggle to find the word I am looking for.
I also know that it’s not uncommon to interchange words. But many times, people do this incorrectly.
Here are a few that get swapped when they should not be swapped.
Graveyard Vs. Cemetery
I learned about this one when I lived down in Charleston. The land of graveyards and cemeteries.
It is true. Dead people will hang out in either one. Both a cemetery and a graveyard are locations where dead bodies are buried, but they have distinct differences. A cemetery is a burial ground not physically attached to a church. A graveyard, on the other hand, generally sits adjacent to or close to a church on the same property.
There are a lot of graveyards within the city limits of Charleston. However, head out away from the city, and you will find more cemeteries. This is true of many cities. However, both are scary at night. On a ghost tour.
Since we are on the dead thing.
Coffin Vs. Casket
They are two different things too. The materials used and the shape of the box will tell you the difference between caskets and coffins. Caskets are rectangular, often made out of metal, and usually have railings or handles along the outside so they can be carried. Most people in most of America are buried in caskets. But coffins, on the other hand, are made of wood. They look more tailored to the human form. Narrow at the bottom, broader at the shoulders, and tapered at the head.
Caskets have four sides, while a coffin has six. Also, there’s not always a hinged lid on a coffin, but there generally always is on a casket. Dracula sleeps in a coffin. Trust me on this one.
Another item associated with churches.
Cross Vs. Crucifix
In all fairness, a crucifix is a cross. But. A cross is not necessarily a crucifix. Crosses are formed by two intersecting lines — including both the horizontal and vertical. However, for a cross to qualify as a crucifix, it has to have the depiction of “the crucified Figure of Christ upon it.”
Thousands of crucifixions that took place in ancient Rome — on crosses. So, in the Christian tradition, a crucifix represents the particular death and sacrifice made by Jesus, which, in turn, symbolizes faith.
There are a lot more out there, but I’ll end on this one.
Since we’ve been talking about moving on to the other life.
Jimmy Hoffa knows this next one. As do homeowners with new driveways.
Cement Vs. Concrete
Despite being used as synonyms, cement and concrete aren’t the same. However, you can’t have concrete without cement.
Cement is the dusty stuff. It is made by combining limestone and clay and has been used since antiquity. But in order to get concrete, you have to mix the cement with water. Stir it up real good, and you get concrete. Pour it wherever you like, even when burying Mafia guys.
Solid. Concrete.
Just like the definitions in the good dictionary.
All 500,000 of them, depending on the book.
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“Language is power. Language is the instrument through which we think and not just a means of communication.” – N. Scott Momaday
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“Words are the soul of the world.” – Yiddish proverb
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“Words are the bricks with which we build understanding.” – Michael Schrage
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