This tree has prettier blossom than the last one that I posted - pinker (or is that, 'more pink'?) One never knows with the English language! ... eg. Enormity
This one’s a biggie! It seems simple enough. ‘Enormity’ is so close to ‘enormous’ that they must be synonyms. Right? Wrong! ‘Enormity’ means ‘extreme evil’ of the toe-curling, medieval history or ruthless dictator kind. Therefore, the exceptionally commonly used expression “the enormity of the situation…” is incorrect. (Unless, in fact, you’re actually talking about an act of evil. Which we hope you aren’t!)
Thankful for:
an enormous error just averted!
I'd say pinker ... but then I'm no expert. I was intrigued by the word enormity though - I'd definitely have used it incorrectly! Love image of your pink blossom.
Well dang it. Language is so complicated. I would be one of those people using the word "enormity" incorrectly. Thank goodness for 365 and educated users! I would say "pinker", but we've already determined I am not one to ask. ;-)
@maggiemae - yes Maggie , I tend to pronounce it "pinkier " but I thought that was due to me being Welsh !! ha ha ! But whiter is used - eg the song by Procol Harum - "A whiter shade of Pale " - love that song !
@maggiemae@beryl
Not only do I love my own Dutch language, but I love languages in general.
"A whiter shade of pale" immediately came to my mind too, Beryl.
when I hear the 'enormity of the situation' I interpret it as the gravity of the situation. I'm not sure that equates to evil, but perhaps half way there. We certainly do have a fascinating language. The pink blossom is so very lovely - a great capture.
Not only do I love my own Dutch language, but I love languages in general.
"A whiter shade of pale" immediately came to my mind too, Beryl.
I would use enormity in quite the wrong way too!
And..... Pat - you are up now!