On another word site, I found the discussion of the word "irenic", used in the following sentence:

"The magazine and the movement needed balance and an irenic spirit."

Is the word used correctly here? While it means "promoting peace," doesn't it also mean in the context of "conciliation?"

I would use the word this way:

"The computer is undoubtedly the greatest communications tool ever invented and yet it seems to have led to a severe reduction in the spelling and language skills of younger people who use it. Isn't that irenic?"

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Isn't that irenic?"

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Only to the Brits!

Well, at least somebody is serious with me. On that other site I posed the same question, and someone replied that I was right; it had been used incorrectly in the magazine.

I do love to be right!

I'd never heard of the word (thank you, Kalleh). Had others heard of it?

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Originally posted by Hic et ubique:
I'd never heard of the word (thank you, Kalleh). Had others heard of it?

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No, I'd never heard of it either. If I'd seen it I'd probably have taken it as a misspelled and misused "ironic".

Why should I let the toad work
Squat on my life ?
Can't I use my wit as a pitchfork
And drive the brute off ?
Read all about my travels around the world here.
Read even more of my travel writing and poems on my weblog.

I thought it was an architectual word for a type of column. You know, Doric, Irenic, and Corenthian.

And what's all this "On another word site" business? Cheating on us, Kalleh, are you?! YOU??

Horrors!!

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And what's all this "On another word site" business? Cheating on us, Kalleh, are you?! YOU??

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Oy Vey. Today is your "Hate Kalleh Day, I think!

I found this word site that hadn't been posted on since July, and I posted a bit there (I even got a reply!); then I took some of their ideas and brought them here. You see, I always have wordcraft close to my heart!

Never, K.!

To show my remorse, I'll go put on my Patagonia and sit in the corner...

Patagonia

I should be wearing one! My girlfriend's name is Pat, and she just left me, so she's Pat-a gone-ia.

BTW, doesn't this belong in the toponyms thread?

Asa, you are right about "Patagonia;" I will link to your discussion in the toponyms thread.

Sorry about your girlfriend, but I love the pun!