Is there a word for using the precise word for something? I seem to remember seeing it somewhere on this board....
Today I was in a meeting where I think I heard the word "exquisite" 20 times. We want our students to have an "exquisite" understanding of critical thinking or to be an "exquisite" practitioner or be an "exquisite" role model. Now, I suppose it fits into the definition of "excellent" or "flawless". Yet, I think of "exquisite" as being a better word for "beautiful." Am I being picky? Have you seen this word being used a lot these days?
I have searched this site and checked the Reverse Dictionary for the word that means "using the precise word", but I can't find it. I know it exists, and I thought we had discussed it here! Any ideas? Of course, I thought the same about navel lint, and we never found that word.
"Punctilious" and "scrupulous" each mean "precise", but I thought there was a word that even went further to mean using the precise word. I was certain that we've talked about it, but I searched and searched and found nothing.
As far as that use of "exquisite", I agree with you, Richard, that it can be used that way, according to one of the third or fourth definitions. It's just that I think there are better words. To me, a diamond is "exquisite", not your ability to critically think.
As a non-French student, I don't use French words because my pronunciation of them is abominable! So, I agree with you, Tinman. Still, I think we should have a word for it and we shouldn't have to say "right word!"
