Synthesized answer
The provided passages do not define the terms 'broken-down' or 'dialectic corruptions' in the context of language change, nor do they discuss the potential advantages or disadvantages of such linguistic evolution.
The passages do, however, offer definitions and etymologies for the word "break" and its various related forms and compounds. For instance, "break" can mean to extricate oneself forcibly, to make anything known, or to separate by breaking [1]. The word "breaker" is defined as a small water-cask used on shipboard, which is probably a corruption of the Spanish word "bareca" [1]. Another usage of "breaker" refers to a wave broken on rocks or the shore [2, 4]. The passages also list compound words derived from "break," such as "break-neck," "break-promise," and "break-water" [2, 4]. The word "broker" and its related terms like "brokerage" and "brokage" are also provided, with etymological connections to Old English and German [3].
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
reak loose , to extricate one's self forcibly: to break through all restraint; Break news , to make anything known, esp. of bad news, with caution and delicacy; Break off , to separate by breaking, put an end to; Break out , to appear suddenly: to break through all restraint; Break sheer (said of a ship riding at anchor), to be forced by wind or tide out of a position clear of the anchor; Break the heart , to destroy with grief; Break the ice ( fig. ), to get through first difficulties: Break up , to break open; Break upon the wheel , to punish by stretching a criminal on a wheel and breaking…
e one performer; Break′er , a wave broken on rocks or the shore.— adj. Break′-neck , likely to cause a broken neck.— ns. Break′-prom′ise , Break′-vow , one who makes a practice of breaking his promise or vow; Break′water , a barrier to break the force of the waves.— Break a jest , to utter a jest unexpectedly; Break a lance with , to enter into a contest with a rival; Break away , to go away abruptly, as from prison, &c.: to be scattered, as clouds after a storm; Break bulk , to open the hold and take out a portion of the cargo; Break cover , to burst forth from concealment, as a fox; Break…
ed: dispersed, routed: altered in direction: shattered in estate or position: incomplete, fragmentary: uncertain.— adjs. Brok′en-backed , having the back broken, applied to a ship so loosened in her frame as to droop at both ends; Brok′en-down , decayed, ruined in character or strength; Brok′en-heart′ed , crushed with grief: greatly depressed in spirit.— adv. Brok′enly .— ns. Brok′en-man , one under outlawry, esp. in the Highlands and Border country; Brok′en-meat , the leavings of a banquet; Brok′enness .— adj. Brok′en-wind′ed , having short breath or disordered respiration, as a horse.…
on: ( billiards ) a consecutive series of successful strokes, also the number of points attained by such: the dawn.— ns. Break′age , the action of breaking, or its consequences: an interruption; Break′-down , a dance, vigorous rather than graceful, in which much noise is made by the feet of the one performer; Break′er , a wave broken on rocks or the shore.— adj. Break′-neck , likely to cause a broken neck.— ns.
e mind what light is to the eye:' relation in general: likeness: ( geom. ) proportion or the equality of ratios: ( gram. ) the correspondence of a word or phrase with the genius of a language, as learned from the manner in which its words and phrases are ordinarily formed: similarity of derivative or inflectional processes.— adjs. Analog′ical , Anal′ogic .— adv. Analog′ically .— v.t. Anal′ogise , to explain or consider by analogy:— pr.p. anal′ogīsing; pa.p. anal′ogīsed. — ns. Anal′ogism ( obs. ), investigation by analogy: argument from cause to effect; Anal′ogist , one who adheres to analogy;…
More questions about this book
- The text illustrates how the single letter 'A' has multiple distinct origins and functions (e.g., hieroglyph, indefinite article, preposition). Explain how these seemingly disparate developments might be interconnected, or what this variety tells us about the dynamic nature of language evolution.
- Analyze how the etymological roots provided for words like 'Aardvark,' 'Abaca,' and the various forms of 'A' reveal historical connections between different cultures, geographical regions, and even ancient pictographic systems.
- Considering this text is from a 1908 dictionary, how might the specific choice of example phrases (e.g., 'quoth a (Shak.)') or the inclusion of specialized terms reflect the intended audience or the academic priorities of lexicography in that era?
- Beyond individual definitions, what implicit 'rules' or consistent patterns of English grammar and word usage can you deduce from the examples provided in this excerpt (e.g., article selection, prefix application, historical shifts)?