Skip to main content
English Language & Usage

You are not logged in. Your edit will be placed in a queue until it is peer reviewed.

We welcome edits that make the post easier to understand and more valuable for readers. Because community members review edits, please try to make the post substantially better than how you found it, for example, by fixing grammar or adding additional resources and hyperlinks.

Required fields*

11
  • 2
    This is quite the most extraordinary answer I've ever seen! Commented Sep 9, 2020 at 10:11
  • 1
    This answer provides many examples of the use of these words, but it is not immediately obvious what general conclusion should somebody like the OP draw from them. Also, the examples presented in the answer are all of their use by the writers of the past, while the OP seems to be primarily interested in how they are used nowadays. Commented Sep 9, 2020 at 16:32
  • 1
    Indeed. This answer aims to offer A framework of how one (of any background) would go about finding answers to these kinds of questions. The words are seemingly very close, and, in my view, the best way to get a sense of the difference is to read through as many examples of usage as possible until one develops an inner sense of what the words mean. Huge thanks re. citing the old examples only (I suppose I subscribe to the view that understanding historical usage might be helpful). MW cites current usage examples, and I omitted to point it out - will amend the answer. Commented Sep 9, 2020 at 17:21
  • 1
    Continue to dig deeper, and you'll end up in oblivion... Commented Sep 19, 2020 at 18:36
  • 1
    I feel like I have to - I do not think the question has been answered by anyone; and it fascinates me...but, whether it is an ardour or a fervour that I am feeling:), eventually, it feel burn itself out, as everything does:) Commented Sep 19, 2020 at 18:41