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Subject:
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The Word 'Peruse'
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Question:
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Can someone enlighten me as to how the word ''peruse'' has achieved, according to many dictionaries, the distinction of having two diametrically opposite definitions, i.e. 1) to read carefully or scrutinize and, 2) to review casually or quickly? Is it simply a matter of generations of misuse leading to a change in meaning? Thanks.
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Reply:
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Dear Charles,
This is a matter of use, I would say, not misuse. Many words work like this one in English. 'Sanction' and 'cleave' are two examples that come to mind. They even have a name which describes nicely their opposite meanings: contranyms.
Madalena
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Reply From:
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Madalena Cruz-Ferreira
click here to access email
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Date:
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08-Oct-2007
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Other Replies:
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Re: The Word 'Peruse'
Anthea Fraser Gupta
(08-Oct-2007)
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