Words have caused wars, swayed elections and destroyed families...why?
Words have brought about change, encouraged peace and lifted hearts...how?
And therein lies the crux of the matter, "meaning."
The meaning of a word, it's definition, along with, the context of its use and its etymology are part of what makes words so fascinating. There are some words in the American English language that can not be said on mainstream television because of their meaning and the context with which they are most often used. There are also words certain groups find offensive because the history of the word is so disturbing. There are words that fall out of use for various reasons, and there are new words that become part of the national vocabulary every year due to new technologies or the blending of cultures.
So what's the big deal with words, why are some people seemingly so obsessed with them? Why do writer's anguish for hours over just the right word in a sentence? Why do communication professionals go back-and-forth with colleagues over articles, conjunctions and prepositions in copy?
It all has to do with "meaning," not the word's definition. The word's ultimate meaning has more to do with the reader's and hearer's perceptions than you may think. Consider this example from a fundraising appeal.
We invite you to become a production underwriter...
We invite you to become a co-owner of a production...
Both sentences are clearly asking donors for money; however, the second one has a different meaning. When you own something, it is yours; you have a right to change or alter it, build it up or tear it down, keep it or sell it and so forth. For instance, stock owners have a say in how a company is run; car owners can determine its color and home owners can make decisions about the dwelling. Is this what the writer really wanted to convey? Did the writer really want contributors to have a say in the production?
Yes, words matter...choose wisely.
