Oh Language –16
English –as a language is quite versatile, if one knows the real
implications of words and styles of using them to advantage. In plain terms it
is easy for some while many others dread using the language as they fear of
misuse. Such persons are happy with disuse of words and choose to display a
broad smile in place of some interactive utterance. Leaving aside such doubting
Thomas, better one goes about certain typical characteristics of the culture in
word structure. For every positive word
there is a corresponding negative term that suggests the opposite.
There are different expressions like
Opposite, Contrary and Converse
The three terms seem to be similar in effect. Honestly they are not,
for, each has a specific purpose / implication.
‘Opposite’ [n/Adj] refers to the direct reversal as in Night/Day,
Cold/Hot, Bitter/Sweet, each pair representing the extremes
‘Contrary’ [n/Adj] represents a state of opposition or disagreement
‘Learning a language looks difficult; on the contrary it can be a fun and
engaging too.
‘Converse ‘ [Adv] represents a reciprocal or a contrasting situation as in “ If you run, you reach early”
conversely “If you walk, you reach late”
‘Some go to bed early conversely Some keep awake till late after
midnight and so go to bed late . Such subtleties need to be clearly understood
at least to avoid improper examples.
Improper X Proper, Impossible X Possible, Impertinent X Pertinent
Impolite X Polite, Imprudent X Prudent, Immature X Mature, Immaterial X
Material and Impeccable.
Each positive term presented here has a negative form shown by the prefix
“Im”. The last term [impeccable] is not a truly negative term as it refers to a
positive state of being ‘flawless or perfect’. The term ‘Peccable’ refers to an
undesirable trait as it means ‘capable of committing sin[s]. As such ‘Peccable’ as a term has a poor scope
of usage.
Incidentally, the prefix ‘Im’ is one form of forming a negative, as other
prefixes like ‘in’ ‘ir’, ‘il’ ‘non’ also
help to forming negative words. I trust we are at an interesting phase of
discussion. Hopefully these are intelligible.
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Impeccable is positive,on the CONTRARY, peccable is negative.
ReplyDeleteAm I right Professor?
To perceive these , their meaning is useful. 'Impeccable' means perfect and free of defects. [Peccable is a state of ability to commit wrong /sin.
ReplyDeleteSo, your understanding these terms is quite in order.
கம்பன் வீட்டுக் கட்டுத்தறியும் கவி பாடும்.
ReplyDelete