Gentle reader meaning
In that way, “parameter” is similar to “perimeter,” the edge with which it is confused but a “parameter” has more of a meaning of “criterion” or “standard” to help it give shape to the idea in its field.Ī parameter is a ballpark in which we play it is a measurement that gives a character to anything we want to compare it with. “So the parameter of the black vote for Repubicans is 35 percent.”Ī parameter, then - leaving the dictionaries to catch up with us - is not merely a “constant,” but a “limit,” an outer reach, that helps shape, characterize, or define the scope of an idea or a problem. That I knew: “In New York State,” I calculated, “if you were Rocky or Davits and having a good year, maybe you could get 35 percent of the black vote to pull the Republican lever, instead of the average 20 percent.”
Now ‐what's the highest potential black vote if you're a Republican candidate?” You go one mile an hour faster and you're in orbit. “That's as fast as anything can go on earth. “Sixteen thousand miles an hour,” he replied unhesitatingly. Unhappy with my own definition, and unsatisfied by the too mathematical definitions in dictionaries, I asked Dan Bell for one good, solid example of parameter. A parameter is some specific yardstick we can use to help us judge the unknown quantity nearby. In mathematics, a parameter is “a constant whose value may vary,” but we're more interested in the word's present metaphoric use as a tool we can measure other things by. Don't join the pack.”Ī parameter (accent on the “ram”) is not a perimeter, nor is it a man who leaps out of an airplane to check your gas reading. “ ‘Parameter’ is a good word,” he expostulated right back, “which has been getting a bad press. The friend was Daniel Bell, the Harvard sociologist, whose interest in words led him to be the first to apply “charisma” to an American public figure (John L. “Most vogue terms are fun to watch come and go,” I expostulated to a friend recently, “but ‘exacerbate’ rubs me the wrong way, and ‘parameter’ is the limit.” Those who are against unsimplicity will find that not inoffensive. Secretary of Defense Harold Brown, discussing the costs to the United States of the Egyptian‐Israeli treaty, wanted to say something like “Peace and security are not cheap, but war and insecurity cost more.” But what came out of his mouth was “Peace and security are not inexpensive, but war and insecurity are even more so.” Think about that: War is even more “not inexpensive” than peace. Most often, “not un‐” is effete affectation used by people who know what they are not but are uncertain about what they are. On the other hand, I am not unmindful (actually, I'm mindful) of the confusion caused by the convoluted “not un‐” construction. To be “not unhappy” is not the same as to be happy in that case, the “not un‐” construction is a useful, if lazy, device to describe a feeling along the happy‐unhappy scale. Reader suggestions will be culled and reported upon on some occasion when I'm leaving.ĭouble negatives do not a positive make. There hasn't been a really good sign off written since “Your lordship's most humble, obedient servant,” written by Samuel Johnson to Lord Chesterfield, a man he despised.
#Gentle reader meaning how to
Now that we've solved how to salute the unknown - how best to close? “Yours truly” means nothing, “Sincerely” is overworked, “As ever” cautious, “Cordially” just a shade too hearty, “Affectionately” patronizing, “Love” actionable, and “See ya” forlorn. The “To:” crowd - people who use memo pads on all occasions - went for “To the Interested,” “To the Reader,” “To Those Concerned” (a good straight translation of T.W.I.M.C.) and “To the Prospective Employer of ‐.” The most effective salutation is the most personal: When writing Julius Caesar, nothing beats “Hail Caesar!” The second best, when addressing a crowd, is to evoke the association of occupation Napoleon always greeted his men with “Soldiers!” But when taking pen to paper, and addressing some Uriah Heep in an admissions office, or a committee, or perhaps a computer, the need for a personal or an inspiring salutation withers. “Dear Reader” was a heavy favorite among those who liked the “Dear” form, followed by “Dear Recipient” (sounds too much like “occupant” for my taste) and a grumpily asexual “Dear Person.” (“Gentleperson” and “Gentle Reader” were also suggested by a pair of toughminded correspondents.) Today is the last day you can get away with “To Whom It May Concern.” In a recent piece grumbling about “whom,” I asked readers (who may have been concerned) to suggest alternatives to that stilted salutation, and present herewith a bunch.