Posted on 12/21/2007 6:57:49 PM PST by SwinneySwitch
I love the dictionary/thesaurus online. It's quick and easy. The etymology, especially, allows exquisite precision.
Here's an example:
trenchantThe derivation of trenchant from the French word for to cut makes its meaning more precise for me.
trench÷ant (trénchənt)
adj1. incisive: direct, incisive, and deliberately hurtful
trenchant criticism2. energetic: effective and relevant in the pursuit or achievement of a goal trenchant opinions
[14th century. From Old French , ÃÂcutting,ÃÂ formed from trenchier (see trench).]
-trench÷an÷cy, n
-trench÷ant÷ly, advEncarta î World English Dictionary é & (P) 1998-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
There's also a thesaurus that is accessed by a click. Here's an example:
trenchant (adj)I refer to this dictionary/thesaurus a lot. It helps me find the mot juste, and it's very easy.incisive, cutting, sharp, biting, acerbic, severe, scathing, forceful, direct, forthright, caustic, penetrating
antonym: mild
Encarta î World English Dictionary é & (P) 1998-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
I get frustrated when I can't think of just the right word. I like to have the dictionary/thesaurus just one click away.
Merry Christmas! ~S
Somehow the copy got messed up in the paste (post 23). But you get the idea. ~S
Okay, why isn't the fence being built on the levee? It looks to me like the government is trying to create opposition.
For just plain definitions, I recommend Word Web, a free download which enables you with merely the right click of your mouse to bring up both definitions and synonyms.
This administration just does not want to enforce the border.
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