For example, if you say that “feed” isn’t a real word because there is a better way to say “issued someone a fee,” but the real word is “feed” as in “to provide with nourishment,” what would that error in judgment be called?

  • CaptObvious
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    10 months ago

    I don’t really understand your question. Feed meaning “to offer sustenance” has a different etymology than the noun fee meaning “amount paid.” While virtually any noun in the language can be made a verb, it seems unnecessary in this case since to charge is available and already expresses this meaning.

    • BleatingZombie@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      (I can’t think of a way to word this to sound playful, so please understand I’m just being silly and have no animosity)

      You really don’t understand the question if you’re bringing up etymology :P

      • CaptObvious
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        10 months ago

        In this context, only etymology is relevant.