If the words meaning has changed, what’s to new word to use when we mean literally (in its original meaning)?
Comment on Mitosis
KoalaUnknown@lemmy.world 6 days ago-
in effect; in substance; very nearly; virtually:
I literally died when she walked out on stage in that costume.
Mouselemming@sh.itjust.works 6 days ago
But not metaphorically, which is what we’re seeing here, in this visual pun.
Jax@sh.itjust.works 6 days ago
Yes, and with that definition it becomes a contronym. As in a contradiction. As in the word no longer peforms the function it once did. And before you say ‘bUt LaNgUaGeS sHiFt OvEr TiMe’ - the word virtually literally peforms the same function as the new definition.
Who am I kidding, discussing the importance of articulation to people who never learned the definitions of the words they use has always been a losing battle. Your knowledge will always be less valuable to them than their ignorance.
KoalaUnknown@lemmy.world 6 days ago
I just gave you the definition, from the dictionary. Maybe you are the one that never learned the definitions of the words they use.
Jax@sh.itjust.works 6 days ago
Mouselemming@sh.itjust.works 6 days ago
That definition doesn’t fit this example either.