Cross Deffing
Urban.
It most simply means "of or located in a city," according to the American Heritage. From this, we get the word "urbanities," which means "courtesies, civilities."
Country.
The American Heritage speaks again... "A large tract of land distinguishable by features of topography, biology, or culture." The Latin root is "contra" meaning "opposite." Like Mary, Mary Quite Contrary, I guess. Not courteous, or civil, I guess.
Yet, many people view the urban setting as contrary to life. And the country setting as courteous and civil to life.
How did we come to this place, where definitions crossed in the night?
It most simply means "of or located in a city," according to the American Heritage. From this, we get the word "urbanities," which means "courtesies, civilities."
Country.
The American Heritage speaks again... "A large tract of land distinguishable by features of topography, biology, or culture." The Latin root is "contra" meaning "opposite." Like Mary, Mary Quite Contrary, I guess. Not courteous, or civil, I guess.
Yet, many people view the urban setting as contrary to life. And the country setting as courteous and civil to life.
How did we come to this place, where definitions crossed in the night?
posted by L.L. Barkat at 4:53 PM
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