Endorse and dorsal...

A discussion of word histories and origins.
vaibhavd85
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Endorse and dorsal...

Postby vaibhavd85 » Fri Jan 11, 2008 4:11 pm

Endorse (V): 1) sign, superscribe, autograph. 2) approve, support.

This word can be split up as "in" which here means "on" + "dorsum" which means "back", the word gets its meaning from the practice of adding comments on the back of a document in order to extend or limit its provisions. You might be familiar to this practice, the most common example is: signing on the back of check, in order to show your consent.

Contextual example:
Satyagrihis do not endorse use of violence.

Another cognate of this word is:

Dorsal (adj): having to do with the upper side or back

Contextual example:
A dorsal fin is located on the back of fishes like dolphins, whales etc.

Regards,
V

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Slava
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Re: Endorse and dorsal...

Postby Slava » Tue May 18, 2010 9:32 pm

Endorse (V): 1) sign, superscribe, autograph. 2) approve, support.

This word can be split up as "in" which here means "on" + "dorsum" which means "back", the word gets its meaning from the practice of adding comments on the back of a document in order to extend or limit its provisions. You might be familiar to this practice, the most common example is: signing on the back of check, in order to show your consent.

Contextual example:
Satyagrihis do not endorse use of violence.

Another cognate of this word is:

Dorsal (adj): having to do with the upper side or back

Contextual example:
A dorsal fin is located on the back of fishes like dolphins, whales etc.

Regards,
V
I never made the connection of endorse and the back of a check until now. And, that second definition give whole new meaning to "back someone or something" doesn't it?

I'm a fan of Satyagraha, too. Let's keep it peaceful, eh?
Life is like playing chess with chessmen who each have thoughts and feelings and motives of their own.


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