[NIFL-4EFF:2223] Opsimathy

From: Tracy Block (tblock711@yahoo.com)
Date: Mon Sep 23 2002 - 14:54:29 EDT


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From: Tracy Block <tblock711@yahoo.com>
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Subject: [NIFL-4EFF:2223] Opsimathy
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Hi All,

I am on a listserve that gives a new word to learn
each weekday.  This was todays and I found it
interesting and thought many of you would, too. 
Perhaps a new EFF term......
Tracy


opsimathy  \Op-sim-a-thy\  noun  :  Education late in
life

opsimath  (AHP-sih-math)  One who begins to learn late
in life. 

Opsimathy, which means "learning acquired late in
life," entered the English language sometime in the
17th century. Both opsimathy and opsimath derive from 
Greek opsimathein, meaning "to learn late." 

Historically, however, these words most often were
used in a derogatory sense-- a sort of snooty put-down
suggesting that the opsimath had been lazy 
or uninterested in learning until only recently.
Perhaps it's time to reclaim these words and 
instead use them to celebrate anyone determined to
continue learning right on into his or her golden
years. 

"'You're never too old to be an opsimath,' he said
optimistically." 



Tracy Block
Literacy Tutor/Learner Coordinator
READ San Diego - San Diego Public Library
Serving the City and County of San Diego
5148 Market Street
San Diego, CA 92114
619-527-5475 general line
619-527-5477 direct line
619-527-5485 fax

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