Musings

This is a very hard to follow for me because I rarely use a word that I do not know. I can’t really remember how I used the word catharsis, but my peer asked why I described the situation to which I referred in that way. That was when I decided to look afresh at the meaning of the word to insure that I had a better understanding of the word. My usage was truly in error as my colleague had surmised. As I recall, I used it to refer to a impetus for doing something while the word actually means something different.

It would have been better for me to use the word catalyst rather than catharsis. What I wanted to say was that something had set us in motion rather that we experienced an emotional release or purging. While I am grateful for the question of my friend, it showed that I really did need to look up the word instead of assuming that I knew what it meant when I read and heard it used by others. My understanding of the word was not accurate, and thus, my usage of the word was not correct.

I now watch my language use more closely that I had before. I’m pretty intelligent, and my vocabulary is somewhat extensive in my mind. However, I now try to make sure that I don’t misuse a word. It has been said, “It is better to let people to think that you are a fool that to open your mouth and prove them right.” The lesson has been quite cathartic.