Hi, Ardith Hinton!
I read your message from 06.04.2018 12:58
about "the" o "a".

I guess that it is the way how words change their meaning or get
additional ones. People who know the word poorly may use it in
their own way. If such people are heard by many the new meaning
begins to live its own life.

Unfortunately, yes....

And the dictionary has no choice but to add the new entry.

As Dallas says, most English/English dictionaries nowadays add such entries. Another example from music is "classical", which we both recognize as a particular style dating from about 1750-1800 but
many others don't. There is also the word "argument" from English
class, and (as you've seen elsewhere) the geographical
name "Holland". In the "real world" I must understand what others
mean, even if I wouldn't put it that way myself... and there's
where I may want the dictionary to help me out. I realize the
English language has changed over time & will continue to do so,
but I see much of its power & beauty being lost.

But speaking objectively English always has been like it.

From another side: can we make the confrontation stronger? If it
can become stronger we can escalate it, as we can escalate any
crisis.

As I see it the noun "confrontation" is derived from the verb "[to] confront", which means to face up to & deal with a problem. How
people do that varies widely. But when I compare dictionaries I see
e.g. "face with hostility or violence" entering the list of
definitions for the verb & creeping closer to the top. One must
always remember that it's not in the best interests of those who
sell "news" to fight such trends if the audience wants to assume
the worst.

Although "con" means the negative position: "an appraisal of the pros and cons". "Front" means a border. So, maybe. we can think of a negative opposition.

<skipped>

I should read more good books. ;-)

When you quoted an excerpt from IVANHOE, I thought the language was wonderful... that was what inspired me to read the book for myself.
But it's a rip-roaring good adventure story too, for those who want
lots of action.

Yes. a rare, nice book. Another book I like as much is the trilogy of Captain Blood adventures, by Rafael Sabatini.

I look forward to seeing more citations like that... [chuckle].

Well, it is in case if I continue reading bad paper articles. :)

Bye, Ardith!
Alexander KoryaginENGLISH_TUTOR 2018

--- Paul's Win98SE VirtualBox
* Origin: Quinn's Post - Maryborough, Queensland, OZ (3:640/384)