Frank and I were sitting at a traffic light next to a paratransit van. I looked at and wondered aloud, "Why is it called para-transit?". Frank replied, "Because it transports paraplegics." Ok. Maybe. But what does that mean for paralegals? Are they partial in some functions? How can you have paratransit and paraplegics and paralegals? What is the similar meaning for the root para?
That started us on an adventure of word play. Some words the base does not make sense let alone the root.
- There is parachute. How does para change chute and why indeed it is considered a chute of any sort? Because it directs the air into itself? In French chute means fall so maybe that helps.
- How about paragraph? This is text, not a numeric plot, so does para mean partial graph?
- I just learned a keet is a guinea fowl, so is a sort of fowl possible for parakeet?
- Sol can mean sun, so is a partial sun a reasonable interpretation for parasol?
- Parallel stumps me though. What is a "llel" - a line perhaps? And when you have two side by side, are they a pair of llels?
- How about paradox, parapet, paratrooper, paradise, and paramour?
What parameter do they all have in common? In writing this post I looked up the origin of the root para-. Apparently para- is a Greek root meaning beside or near. That explains some of the words but not all.
- Paratransit is a special route that runs without a schedule near a scheduled route.
- A paralegal works beside or near a legal professional
- Parallel is one line beside another
- Paragraph is interesting. In editing it began as symbol beside related text, demarcating it.
The parable of this post is that I have no consistent paradigm no matter how I look at it, even taking parallax into consideration. Maybe the people of Paraguay know.
Even in retirement, your mind has not stopped thinking and analyzing!
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