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Previous Thread Next Thread Print Thread misusing word at "commencement" #177442 06/16/08 12:03 PM Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 4 N njnative OP stranger OP njnative stranger N Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 4 Twice I have been to graduation ceremonies where the same principal has used the word "commence" to mean "end" rather than "begin." I would like to write to him and tell him that although logic is on his side and I have always thought that a more appropriate word could be used at graduations, he has embarrassed himself in front of those who expect more from a man of his position. My question: should I bother? Will it make a difference? And how often have you heard someone who should know better misuse a word in a situation where it is an affront? Copy Link to Clipboard Share Post on Facebook Share Post on Twitter Re: misusing word at "commencement" njnative #177481 06/16/08 05:14 PM Joined: Mar 2000 Posts: 6,511 lower upstate New York AnnaStrophic Carpal Tunnel AnnaStrophic Carpal Tunnel Joined: Mar 2000 Posts: 6,511 lower upstate New York Well, to me the idea behind "commencement" is that the ritual signifies the beginning of young peoples' adult lives; one of the modern-day rites of passage. I would definitely correct the principal -- if I didn't still have any kids at that school! Copy Link to Clipboard Share Post on Facebook Share Post on Twitter Re: misusing word at "commencement" AnnaStrophic #177482 06/16/08 05:25 PM Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 631 Hydra addict Hydra addict Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 631 The ceremony is commenced? Let it slide. But if he asks you to write a paper on the Emasculation Proclamation, then reach for your snootiest writing paper and your biggest dictionary! Copy Link to Clipboard Share Post on Facebook Share Post on Twitter Re: misusing word at "commencement" Hydra #177491 06/16/08 09:20 PM Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 876 western NY twosleepy old hand twosleepy old hand Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 876 western NY I think it has to depend, as AnnaStrophic has inferred, on what relationship you have and what you wish to have, with this man. I once worked for a man I respect greatly, even years after he left. The one thing that nearly gave me brain bleeds was when, in meetings with colleagues, parents, "underlings" and so on, he would say, consistently, things such as "I have a pacific idea in mind." I could not bring myself to correct him, even anonymously, and I never will, even though he is no longer my boss and I have "nothing to lose". It just seems the wrong thing to me. Perhaps it is because I imagine it would be a greater to hurt to him than him going through life misusing the word. It didn't affect my respect for him (although I didn't like it!), so I imagine most others forgave it, also. :0) Copy Link to Clipboard Share Post on Facebook Share Post on Twitter Re: misusing word at "commencement" twosleepy #177492 06/16/08 11:33 PM Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 557 Dallas, TX M Myridon addict Myridon addict M Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 557 Dallas, TX The dictionaries mostly seem to say that an affront is deliberate or intentional so don't rush into anything lest you be awarded the Pullet Surprise yourself. Copy Link to Clipboard Share Post on Facebook Share Post on Twitter Moderated by  Jackie  Hop To General Topics ------  Information and announcements  Q&A about words  Wordplay and fun  Words and languages in schools  Miscellany  Weekly Themes  Looking for (writers, speakers,... (Old) Weekly themes. (have been... ------  Words from medicine  Beheading words  Meta-words  Words from classical mythology  Animal Safari  Words with unusual etymologies  Eponyms or words derived from p...  Loanwords from German  English as a global language Print Thread Switch to Threaded Mode Show Likes Link Copied to Clipboard View Profile Private Message Follow User Forum Posts Like Summary View Profile Private Message Follow User Forum Posts Like Summary View Profile Private Message Follow User Forum Posts Like Summary View Profile Private Message Follow User Forum Posts Like Summary View Profile Private Message Follow User Forum Posts Like Summary Forum Statistics Forums16 Topics13,915 Posts229,917 Members9,197 Most Online3,341 Dec 9th, 2011 Newest Members Bill_L, achz, MAGNVSTALSMA, Burlyfish, Renegade98 9,197 Registered Users Who's Online Now 0 members (), 800 guests, and 3 robots. Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod Top Posters(30 Days) wofahulicodoc 33 A C Bowden 27 LukeJavan8 4 Top Posters wwh 13,858 Faldage 13,803 Jackie 11,613 wofahulicodoc 10,910 tsuwm 10,542 LukeJavan8 9,948 Buffalo Shrdlu 7,210 AnnaStrophic 6,511 Wordwind 6,296 of troy 5,400

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