The Captain’s Log

Pontifications of The Great and Terrible Captain Cucamunga.

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Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:07:11 EDT

Pretext Versus Pretense

Pretext
The noun pretext names a reason that justifies the performance of an action or the holding of a position on an issue. In certain contexts, pretext carries the connotation of dishonesty: the reason is weak and not the real reason.
Pretense
The noun pretense names a claim or a promise. In certain contexts, pretense carries the connotation of dishonesty: the claim is dishonest or the promise is insincere.

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 08:23:04 EDT

Stationary Versus Stationery

Stationary
The adjective stationary describes a static condition. Something stationary does not move literally or figuratively.
Stationery
The noun stationery names the physical tools for writing such as pens, paper, and ink.

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:49:06 EDT

Autarky, Autocracy, Oligarchy

Autarky
The noun autarky names a state of self-sufficiency. A nation, region, or community that is self-sufficient in some way is an autarky.
Autocracy
The noun autocracy names a nation state in which a single invidual holds unlimited executive power.
Oligarchy
The noun oligarchy names a nation state in which a small group of individuals holds unlimited executive power.

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 07:42:37 EDT

Peccadillo, Impeccable, Piccadilly

Peccadillo
The noun peccadillo names a petty offense or the minor character flaw from which such an offense arises. Peccadillo derives from the Latin verb peccare, which means to sin.
Impeccable
The adjective impeccable means without flaw and derives from the same Latin source as peccadillo.
Piccadilly
Piccadilly is the name of a street in London UK and London, Ontario, Canada. Piccadilly also names a circus (traffic circle) in the UK London. Piccadilly orginates from Pickadilly House, which once stood nearby. The etymology of piccadilly is a matter of speculation.

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