Part Three -The power of words, this part of the series is for the open minded only

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

I want to welcome you back readers to part three of the Power of Words. So for the last couple of weeks I have been focused on helping the greater community overstand the history of words, and the power that they hold. The previous two articles were an introduction to the creation of words, and the meanings that they convey when a few of them are strung together in a sentence. Before you read any further, I would suggest that you go back to last weeks article that can be found on the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper website, and get yourself caught up. If not, the rest of this article will not make much sense to you.

I am about to hit you with some words to consider that have been in use for years. We use them in some of our dialogue, and have no idea the history of the word, or the meaning and power that they have. Who cares right? I advise you once again to go back to the last two articles, and even consider that some of this word stuff could possibly be true:

 Understand

First let us split up the word into two words. Understand is a compound word, which are two or more words, or signs that are joined to make one longer word or sign.

Under + Stand

In the Merriam Webster Dictionary there were five different meanings for the word under; let’s take a look.

Merriam Webster Dictionary

1. In or into a position below or beneath something
2. Below or short of some quantity, level, or limit
3. In or into a condition of subjection, subordination, or unconsciousness
4. Down to defeat, ruin, or death
5. So as to be covered

Cambridge Dictionary

Under is a preposition. When we use under as a preposition, it is similar to below. We use under to talk about something that is below or lower than something else: …

Stand

Merriam Webster Dictionary

1. To take up or maintain a specified position or posture
2. To maintain one’s position
3. To be in a particular state or situation
4. To have or maintain a relative position in or as if in a graded scale
5. To be in a position to gain or lose because of an action taken or a commitment made

Cambridge Dictionary

1. To be in, causeto be in, or get into a particularstate or situation
2. To be in, causeto be in, or put into a particularplace

When someone asks you if you understand, you should think twice before answering the question. If you answer yes, you are basically admitting to whoever is asking you that you stand, and maintain a lower position then them. To find the hidden meaning of the word “under-stand” you need to flip the two words around. Take a moment and do this. Now it becomes, stand under. Interesting how the word takes on a whole new context, and all we did is switch the position of the compound word.

Let’s look at another word, commonly used during magic shows, but for very definitive reasons.  The word is ABRACADABRA. For those who have been around me, you will notice that I have that word tattooed on my left arm, and on the other arm I have the definition of the word. Let’s take a closer look at that. If you are familiar with Hebrew etymology, you will know that abracadabra is a corruption of the Hebrew word, ebrah k’dabri, meaning, “I will create as I speak.” This means that the act of speech will magically create new realities. It does chime well with the kabbalistic notion that the words and letters of the Hebrew alphabet have the power to create (Rabbi Julian Sinclair, July 5, 2018).

I have really enjoyed these last couple weeks. Please feel free to comment, and share any other words you know have a lost or hidden meaning. Now go out there and use your words wisely.