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  1. Which is more proper "rarest" or "most rare"?

    Nov 17, 2020 · In the following usage, which is the correct form for the superlative of the adjective "rare"? "the rarest on Earth" or "the most rare on Earth"?

  2. Why's 'Cellar door' the most beautiful English word/ phrase?

    May 20, 2020 · Recently I've had a few people mention that the phrase Cellar door is beautiful. I don't see what makes this so - it's not anything ironic like "driveway" or "parkway" so what …

  3. The origin of 'water breaking' during pregnancy

    Feb 16, 2025 · Indeed the earliest-occurring term, amnios, the OED assigns to its frequency band 2, its second to rarest classification. That means it remains extremely rare. The OED …

  4. etymology - The pronunciation of the word 'junta' - English …

    Mar 24, 2019 · In contrast, /ʒ/ is the rarest consonant phoneme in the language at all, occurring only in (mainly French) loan words, and notably it is almost entirely absent at the beginning of …

  5. expressions - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange

    Jul 10, 2023 · She’s found: an antique piece of serving ware–I think it was a pie slicer or cheese knife that was the rarest part of a set, rare pyrex dishes, an original Holly Hobbie doll, a jar of …

  6. What are the percentages of the parts of speech in English?

    Jan 21, 2012 · What are the percentages of the parts of speech in English? For instance, what percent of English is comprised of nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.? I have done an extensive …

  7. Synonym for "slice and dice" - English Language & Usage Stack …

    Feb 13, 2019 · Can anyone provide me with a more professional way of saying "slice and dice"? For example, "This new interactive report allows you to slice and dice information regarding …

  8. What is the origin for meaning of "Wild-card"?

    Hindus believe that if they die here, there is an automatic upgrade to heaven, no matter what the sin committed on earth. It is amazing how god provides this wild-card entry at death. I …

  9. Etymology for "petrichor" - English Language & Usage Stack …

    Jan 22, 2015 · It's common knowledge that the (Greek) gods drank nectar and ate ambrosia, but I've never heard that their ichor had a noteworthy odor—or that the gods exuded it on any but …

  10. "So that it be" vs "so that it is" - English Language & Usage Stack ...

    Jul 15, 2016 · The subjunctive is rare in British English, but perhaps less so in American English. In either variety, I want you to give this money to him so that he have enough for lunch seems …