English Language

Preventative Medicine versus Preventive Medicine. I was watching Entertainment Tonight and there was an article discussing how Jessica Simpson, or some such important figure of American pop culture was practicing "preventative medicine." Since I didn't know what "preventative medicine" was, but I did know "preventive medicine" I decided to consult a reference. My Farmer's Almanac had nothing, but according to the Oxford dictionary, the word "preventative" is synonymous with the word "preventive." Really? Yes, you can add that extra "at" to the word and it doesn't change its meaning at all. Wow! My digestative tract began to rumble with the sneaking suspicion that I didn't actually know very much about the English language. It gets worse. Two other words which are synonymous are "irregardless" and "regardless." Seriously, ask an English teacher... or the above pictured Oxford English Dictionary. There isn't even one which is more idiomatic than the other! I was going to posit from these examples that my reversible raincoat can also be described as "irreversible," that the "irreverent" comedy stylings of Eddie Murphy are deeply and solemnly respectful, and that our president is "responsible." Apparently, my reasoning doesn't hold water. I discovered that the synonymity of "irregardless" and "regardless" is an irregular (or perhaps regular??) example of what the prefix "ir" does to a word.  I, for one, find this all to be a little confusing. Someone needs to eschew obfuscatation on this subject, and apparently it isn't going to be me. I suggest we all write to our representatatives in the Legislatative Branch for some clarity and guidance on this subject. I'm looking forward to the 430 page bill (complete with a prescription drug benefit amendment on page 362) that they will create to clearly articulate the rules on this matter.