Monday, March 7, 2011

Changing semantics: Acquaintance

acquaintance

--> c.1300, "state of being acquainted;" late 14c., "person with whom one is acquainted;" also "personal knowledge;" from O.Fr. acointance "acquaintance, friendship, familiarity," noun of action from acointer (see acquaint).

Changing semantics to become someone you know but may not want to engage in conversation. Less than a friend. Because of "He is my... acquaintance"???

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