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#18059 02/02/2001 3:59 PM
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i came across this word today, and was surprised to see that an AWAD search on it comes up empty, since so many of our threads make reference to misused words.

according to M-W:

Main Entry: cat·a·chre·sis
Pronunciation: "ka-t&-'krE-s&s
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural cat·a·chre·ses /-"sEz/
Etymology: Latin, from Greek katachrEsis misuse, from katachrEsthai to use up, misuse, from kata- + chrEsthai to use
Date: 1553
1 : use of the wrong word for the context
2 : use of a forced and especially paradoxical figure of speech (as blind mouths)
- cat·a·chres·tic /-'kres-tik/ or cat·a·chres·ti·cal /-ti-k&l/ adjective
- cat·a·chres·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb

bridget=)

Ipsa scientia potestas est ~Bacon

#18060 02/02/2001 4:38 PM
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
just to make this a continuing public service thread, OneLook now includes the AHD, with its audio pronunciations!
for instance, onelook took me here for catechresis; just click the little speaker icon...
http://www.bartleby.com/61/wavs/22/C0152200.wav

ohmygawd! what have I done!!


#18061 02/02/2001 11:57 PM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
wwh Offline
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Posts: 13,858
So now I know I'm a chronic catachretic.Bill Hunt
or should it be catachreticist?


#18062 02/03/2001 12:02 AM
Joined: Jan 2001
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wwh Offline
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Okay, catachrestic. I'm pathetic.wwh


#18063 02/03/2001 12:32 AM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
wwh Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel
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Posts: 13,858
After all,if I could get it right, I wouldn't be one.wwh



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