On 23/04/2013 09:43, Buchan Meteo wrote:
Metman2012 scrive:

On 22/04/2013 09:48, Buchan Meteo wrote:
There are some posts in this thread that I do not get to see because
the poster has been kill-filed with the 'forever' option. However, I
have been made aware of certain comments and I feel obliged to set the
record straight.

You should not attempt to use the word 'minuscule' until you have
learned how to spell it. I suggest a dictionary.

Thank you for reading (:

At the risk of being a pedant (which is what I am), both variants are
acceptable nowadays (miniscule being used since C19th). This is
according to OED (and others) - but it suggests not using it formal
contexts. I would assume that uk.sc.weather isn't formal.....

HTH

Malcolm

I have three versions of the OED. the Shorter (2 volume) Concise (1
volume) and Pocket.

None state the above. I no longer have access to the latest full 20+
volume version.

The Shorter OED lists the variant spelling without comment other than to
see the real spelling.
...
The Concise OED lists only the correct spelling and states:

The correct spelling is minuscule rather than miniscule. The latter is a
common error, which has arisen by analogy with other words beginning with
mini-, where the meaning is also 'very small'.
...
The Pocket OED lists only the correct spelling and states:

The correct spelling is minuscule with a u after the n.
...
Chambers, the other authoritative English dictionary lists the -i- as a
variant spelling of the correct spelling.
...

So, at the risk of being a pedant, I rest my case.


Good there other pedants as well. I looked it up on the online OED.
However, I agree that minuscule is correct, but unfortunately for us
pedants, most (all?) dictionaries are now descriptive rather than
prescriptive and as the wrong spelling is gaining in use, they will
eventually stop calling it wrong. It's a bit like infer and imply, less
and fewer, disinterested and uninterested. Does Italian have the same
issues (I'm assuming you're Italian - if not then I humbly apologise)?