Posted by jane d on November 10, 2010, at 12:57:15
In reply to Re: some kind of Elders Council, posted by muffled on November 10, 2010, at 11:25:36
> > > min·ion noun \ˈmin-yən\
> > > Definition of MINION
> > > 1: a servile dependent, follower, or underling
> > > 2: one highly favored : idol
> > > 3: a subordinate or petty official
> > >
> >
> >
>
> :) Thats why I always usually print the whole definition, cuz you pick the point that 'fits', cuz not all do in any definition generally. You pick the salient points.
> Eg , in this case, point #3b fits in the usage of the word above. The others...not so much!
>
> Definition of SALIENT
> 1: moving by leaps or springs : jumping
> 2: jetting upward <a salient fountain>
> 3a : projecting beyond a line, surface, or level b : standing out conspicuously : prominent; especially : of notable significance <similar to Prohibition, but there are a couple of salient differences Tony Gibbs>
>
>
> Words can have so many meanings, which is why the writen word can be so misconstrued sometimes.Muffled,
I think the problem comes when the word used has one definition that has a highly negative primary definition - usually listed as #1. And you can never separate a word totally from it's primary meaning. So "minion" is a problem because it mostly means something insulting and that's how it will be interpretated. "Salient" really isn't a problem because none of those definitions are insulting so there's no harm done letting the reader try and guess which usage you mean.
Jane
poster:jane d
thread:964630
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20101014/msgs/969618.html