Word & World

The language you speak profoundly influences how you perceive and interact with the world. This idea, known as linguistic relativity or the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, suggests that the structure of a language shapes its speakers' worldview and cognitive processes. It doesn't mean you can't think a certain thought, but that your language makes certain ways of thinking easier or more habitual. Here are 10 fascinating examples of how language influences our perception of reality. 1. Seeing More Co...

The renowned Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is more than just a reference book; it's a monumental record of the English language's evolution. Here are 10 fun facts that scratch the surface of its fascinating history and contents. 1. A Decades-Long Project 🕰️ The first edition of the OED was a massive undertaking that took over 70 years to complete. Initially, the Philological Society of London, which conceived the project in 1857, estimated it would take about 10 years. However, the first

The word opportunity has a surprisingly nautical history, born from a Latin phrase that describes a favorable wind blowing a ship toward a harbor. Its journey into English is a tale of linguistic evolution: The story begins with the Latin word opportunus, a term used to describe something suitable or convenient, especially the weather. This word was formed by combining two distinct parts: the prefix ob, meaning "to" or "toward," and portus, the Latin word for "port" or "harbor." In an era whe...