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Word History

The History of 'Cynic'

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.


How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.

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play video cynic
The History of 'Cynic'

 

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.

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Sneaked vs. Snuck

 

How the irregular 'snuck' sneaked into the dictionary

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How to Remember 'Affect' and 'Effect'

 

A simple way to keep them apart. (Most of the time.)

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Further vs. Farther

 

They started as same word, but their meanings have drifted apart over time.

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The Serial Comma Explained

 

Why don't they call it the Merriam-Webster comma?

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Healthy vs. Healthful

 

Why both words are equally good for you.