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6.13.2008

Ambi-what-now?

Reader question: If you can be AMBIVALENT, does that mean you can be BIVALENT?

Hoyden answer: Uh, no.

Reader question the second: Why the hell not?

Hoyden answer: Because the prefix of the word is AMBI, which means "both" in Latin. AMBI-VALENT means you could go either way. AMBI-DEXTROUS means you have dexterity in both hands. AMBI's Greek counterpart is AMPHO. So an amphibian is an animal that can live in both land and water. Get it?

Reader question: Oh. So does that mean I can be valent?

Hoyden (sighing) answer: I suppose technically you could, but no one would know what you're talking about.

posted by Hoyden at 6/13/2008

1 Comments:

Anonymous Andy said...

I'm really valent on this post - I think it's really good!

June 16, 2008 7:57 AM

 

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