‘On Words’ Archive

The Changing Meanings of the Word ‘Passion’ 05/14/2011 1 Comment

The word ‘passion’ has gone through some fascinating gyrations in its meaning, at least in English.  First, it is clearly related to the word ‘passive,’ which is the opposite of ‘active.’  And it originally refers to someone who receives action rather than someone who does action.  Other words that are related are ‘patient,’ one who [...]

Filed under On Words

The Political Meaning of ‘God’ 05/12/2011 2 Comments

I have never been a great advocate of ‘prayer in public schools’ except for voluntary Bible clubs and things of that sort.  I was, in fact, going to a public school in 1962, when the decision was handed down, and there was nothing we were doing that we had to change at the time, I [...]

Filed under On Words, Political Opining