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You might think that it is the same astron showing up in catastrophe.
But no. Catastrophe has nothing to do with stars, not even etymologically.
Catastrophe comes from Latin catastropha, from Greek katastrophē ‘overturning, sudden turn’, from kata- ‘down’ + strophē ‘turning’ (from strephein ‘to turn’).
It was originally (in the 1500s) a theatrical term, designating the final resolution or dénouement of the plot in a play. In a tragedy, this usually involved the death (or "overturning") of the protagonist. It was possible, though, to have happy or comical catastrophes. But because there were many tragedies, the association with an unhappy ending soon took over, so that catastrophe soon came to mean "a disastrous or unhappy conclusion". By the end of the 1700s it acquired its current meaning "a disastrous, usually widespread, event."
A question: While we are all confined to quarters, how frequently would you like Wordlady updates? Daily (not sure that I could keep that up, to be honest)? Twice a week? Once a week? Please let me know. I want to keep you entertained but I don't want to overwhelm you.
Once or twice per week would be very generous if you are able - with great thanks.
ReplyDeleteyes, I agree
DeleteOnce or twice a week would be delightful!
DeleteIf you're up to sending them once a day, I'd be delighted to read them!
ReplyDeleteI find your Worldlady updates very informative and entertaining.
ReplyDeleteTwice a week would be much appreciated during the Covid-19 disaster.
Thank you very much and stay healthy (and funny)
Hetty Bolhuis
Hello,
ReplyDeleteAs far as I'm concerned, as often as possible (Covid or no Covid).
Thanks.
Thanks for your posts, Katherine. So interesting and entertaining. Just what we need right now! Twice a week would be great if you can manage.
ReplyDeleteTwice a week would be lovely.
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying the more frequent emails.
ReplyDeleteSomething to look forward to in my inbox. Twice a week would be wonderful.
How often? However often you can do them. They're great on any schedule :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Katherine. I agree that twice a week postings would be welcome additions to my inbox.
ReplyDeleteFor my part, I will welcome your postings whenever they arrive in my inbox. I find them always entertaining and informative.
ReplyDeleteAlways love seeing Wordlady in the inbox, so whenever inspiration strikes is wonderful... twice a week is good too!
ReplyDeleteI'm with the rest of them. I could manage several each day, but if I have to make do with a couple a week then that's fine.
ReplyDeleteAs often as you want. Luckily, I get to read more now, and your emails are always brilliant.
ReplyDeleteTwice a week is not too much. Even every day or every other day.
Merci beaucoup
Once or twice a week would be wonderful if you can manage it.
ReplyDeleteKeep well and thank you