Last Diaryland Entry
when did the definition for free change...because the definition in the dictionary and the way it is used don't seem to match anymore...this will probably be boring wierd or someting, but i give you a comparison...the definitions from merriam-webster vs. how it is misused today in reality...warning, this will be long and perhaps dry
Merriam-Webster's Main Entry:
1free
Pronunciation: 'frE
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): fre·er; fre·est
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English frEo; akin to Old High German frI free, Welsh rhydd, Sanskrit priya own, dear
Date: before 12th century
1 a : having the legal and political rights of a citizen
b : enjoying civil and political liberty -free citizens-
c : enjoying political independence or freedom from outside domination
d : enjoying personal freedom : not subject to the control or domination of another
this appears simple, but think about it...first citizen of what nation(assume the united states), how many people actually know what those rights are today(this changes as defined by the supreme court, remember)...we don't truly have either civil or political freedom here(there are rules and limits)...free from outside domination(not hardly)...and every law makes us subject to someone's control(even when they are not violated...the minority is always dominated by the majority)
2 a : not determined by anything beyond its own nature or being : choosing or capable of choosing for itself
b : determined by the choice of the actor or performer -free actions-
c : made, done, or given voluntarily or spontaneously
some of us are more free than others, because you must be willing to take responsibility for chosing and live with your choice....too many want someone else to choose for them
3 a : relieved from or lacking something unpleasant or burdensome -free from pain- -a speech free of political rhetoric-
b : not bound, confined, or detained by force
everyone has some burdens and or pain...we are all bound by laws enforced by confinement(unless you are O.J.), and we are very free compared to most nations
4 a : having no trade restrictions
b : not subject to government regulation of foreign exchange
c : not subject to restriction or official control
there is no such animal anywhere i know of in any way as defined here
5 a : having no obligations (as to work) or commitments -I'll be free this evening-
b : not taken up with commitments or obligations -a free evening-
i admit..this does exist pretty much, although it gets abused so badly in common usage that most people lay false claim to it(if you make plans it is no longer a free evening, just a less structured one)
6 : having a scope not restricted by qualification -a free variable-
only in pure math and science
7 a (1) : not obstructed or impeded : CLEAR (2) : not being used or occupied -waved with his free hand-
b : not hampered or restricted in its normal operation
ok, this one is still properly used
8 a : not fastened -the free end of the rope-
b : not confined to a particular position or place; also : not having a specific opponent to cover in football -a free safety-
c : capable of moving or turning in any direction -a free particle-
d : performed without apparatus -free tumbling-
e : done with artificial aids (as pitons) used only for protection against falling and not for support -a free climb-
mostly still properly used although "e" is an oxymoron(leave it to an athlete to invent this usage)
9 a : not parsimonious -free spending-
(rare, but still valid)
b : OUTSPOKEN
(very rare...after all there are always consequences to being outspoken)
c : availing oneself of something without stint
(once again find where it happens)
d : FRANK, OPEN
(see outspoken)
e : overly familiar or forward in action or attitude
f : LICENTIOUS
I wonder when they slipped these last two in...they seem to be obvious contradictions)
10 : not costing or charging anything
here is the really fun one...how much is truly free...postage and handling is a cost...%20 more free is really just paying less for the rest(after all you can't get just the free %20)...buy one get one free is really half off...your time, btw, is also worth something to someone(think about it)
11 a (1) : not united with, attached to, combined with, or mixed with something else : SEPARATE -free ores- -a free surface of a bodily part- (2) : FREESTANDING -a free column-
(back to math and science here)
b : chemically uncombined -free oxygen- -free acids-
c : not permanently attached but able to move about -a free electron in a metal-d : capable of being used alone as a meaningful linguistic form -the word hats is a free form- -- compare 5BOUND 7
(ok, i am really confused here)
12 a : not literal or exact -free translation-
(ok, we found the one free that is in overabundant existance)
b : not restricted by or conforming to conventional forms -free skating-OXYMORON...if you don't understand, then see what comprises free skating in the olympics)
13 : FAVORABLE -- used of a wind blowing from a direction more than six points from dead ahead
(ok, another real use left if you sail)
14 : not allowing slavery
(what about indentured servitude)
15 : open to all comers
(no such thing...eveyone places some restrictions on who is welcome...even me, hell especially me)
so as you can see while so many things are claimed to be free, nothing really is...free speech, not a chance...free choice, dream on...free will, maybe if you are a total anarchist...free lunch, you may not pay money, but i bet you pay somehow...just remember in this world "There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch" and at least you won't be left wondering how to pay when the bill comes due
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