Is The Saying With Abandon Or Without Abandon?.
"With Abandon" or "Without Abandon": A Linguistic Puzzle
The phrase "with abandon" is a common idiom that means to do something without restraint or hesitation. It is often used to describe someone who is performing an activity with enthusiasm and passion. However, there seems to be some confusion about the correct form of the phrase, with some people mistakenly saying "without abandon."
The Meaning of "Abandon"
The word "abandon" has two main meanings:
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To give up or cease to care about something. For example, "She abandoned her career to raise her children."
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To surrender to something without restraint or inhibition. For example, "The child laughed with abandon."
In the context of the phrase "with abandon," the meaning of "abandon" is the second one. When we say that someone is doing something "with abandon," we mean that they are doing it without holding back or being afraid of what others might think. They are giving themselves completely to the activity and letting go of all inhibitions.
The Incorrect Form: "Without Abandon"
The phrase "without abandon" is grammatically incorrect. The word "without" means "not having or not involving something." So, to say that someone is doing something "without abandon" means that they are not doing it without restraint or inhibition. This is the opposite of what we mean when we say that someone is doing something "with abandon."
Why People Make This Mistake
There are a few reasons why people might mistakenly say "without abandon." One possibility is that they are confusing the phrase with the idiom "without reservation." This idiom means "without hesitation or doubt." So, someone might say that they "recommend this restaurant without reservation" if they are certain that the restaurant is good.
Another possibility is that people are simply unaware of the correct form of the phrase. "With abandon" is a more common phrase, and people might not have heard the incorrect form before.
How to Use the Correct Phrase
The correct way to use the phrase "with abandon" is to say something like:
- She danced with abandon.
- He threw himself into the project with abandon.
- The children played with abandon.
These sentences all describe people who are doing something without holding back or being afraid of what others might think. They are giving themselves completely to the activity and letting go of all inhibitions.
Conclusion
The phrase "with abandon" is a powerful way to describe someone who is doing something with enthusiasm and passion. It is important to use the phrase correctly, and avoid saying "without abandon," which has the opposite meaning.
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