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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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When Body Parts Are Also Verbs

 

Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes

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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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Who vs. Whom

 

Good news for those who feel stuffy saying 'whom.'

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Is singular 'they' a better choice?

 

The awkward case of 'his or her'

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Drive Safe: In Praise of Flat Adverbs

 

You don't have to end all your adverbs in -ly to talk right.

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'All Intensive Purposes' or 'All Intents and Purposes'?

 

We're intent on clearing it up

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