Semantic Antics : How and Why Words Change Meaning
by Steinmetz, Sol
- Used
- Condition
- Used - Very Good
- ISBN 10
- 0375426124
- ISBN 13
- 9780375426124
- Seller
-
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
2 Copies Available from This Seller
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
Synopsis
"My favorite popular word book of the year"-William Safire, NY Times 6/22/2008A fun, new approach to examining etymology!Many common English words started out with an entirely different meaning than the one we know today. For example:The word adamant came into English around 855 C.E. as a synonym for 'diamond,' very different from today's meaning of the word: "utterly unyielding in attitude or opinion."Before the year 1200, the word silly meant "blessed," and was derived from Old English saelig, meaning "happy." This word went through several incarnations before adopting today's meaning: "stupid or foolish."In Semantic Antics, lexicographer Sol Steinmetz takes readers on an in-depth, fascinating journey to learn how hundreds of words have evolved from their first meaning to the meanings used today.From the Hardcover edition.
Reviews
(Log in or Create an Account first!)
Details
- Bookseller
- Better World Books (US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 470974-6
- Title
- Semantic Antics : How and Why Words Change Meaning
- Author
- Steinmetz, Sol
- Book Condition
- Used - Very Good
- Quantity Available
- 2
- Binding
- Hardcover
- ISBN 10
- 0375426124
- ISBN 13
- 9780375426124
- Publisher
- Random House Information Group
- Place of Publication
- New York, New York, U.s.a.
- This edition first published
- April 8, 2008
Terms of Sale
Better World Books
Better World Books wants every single one of its customers to be happy with their purchase. If you are not satisfied your purchase or simply find out that it was not the book you were looking for, please e-mail us at: help@betterworldbooks.com. We will get back to you as soon as possible with directions on how to return the book to our warehouse. Please keep in mind that because we deal mostly in used books, any extra components, such as CDs or access codes, are usually not included. CDs: If the book does include a CD, it will be noted in the book's description ("With CD!"). Otherwise, there is no CD included, even if the term is used in the book's title. Access Codes: Unless the book is described as "New," please assume that the book does *not* have an access code.