Re: "asymptotic" or "asymptotical"

From: m pautz (mpautz_at_interserv.com)
Date: 07/15/04 

Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2004 18:23:09 GMT

Michael West wrote:

> m pautz wrote:
>
>
>>For example, we have the computer term, 'graphical' interface. Why not
>>simply say graphic interface?
>
>
> Because "graphical" is the less ambiguous of the two.
> Any sort of interface might be said to be "graphic" by
> comparison with something else. A "graphical" interface,
> on the other hand, is one whose distinguishing characteristic
> is its use of graphics (rather than characters) to communicate.
>
> This is perfectly consistent with the use of "electrical
> engineering" instead of "electric engineering".

I have come to realize that I am not very good at making my points,
because so many people miss them. I will try to do better in this post.

My first comment was that, "These types of variations are always
confusing." ... and ... "English is defined, not by what is correct, but
by usage." Maybe I should have stopped there.

The point I was trying to make was that there are no rules to go by; the
  choice has to be made by a familiarity with the language.

There is no rule that would dictate graphic vs graphical interface.
Both would refer to an interface that uses graphics. There would be no
confusion. A textual interface would use text. Some of us are old
enough to remember the term "command line" interface.

> This is perfectly consistent with the use of "electrical
> engineering" instead of "electric engineering".

Agreed, but let me point out an inconsistency that illustrates my point
that you have to have familiarity with the usage. If we had two
separate degrees, one for the guy who designs power plants, and another
one for the guy who designs semiconductor circuitry, the first would be
"electrical engineering" and the second would be "electronic
engineering" not "electronical engineering"

Although I think I have illustrated my point, I have failed in this area
before. So...

I believe that Alex is German. So, my point to him is that when you are
trying to learn what is correct in this scenario, there aren't any rules
in the English rule book that would apply. You simply have to be
familiar with the usage. I would imagine that English is a very
difficult language to learn. My hat is off to you, Alex.

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