The difficulty I have is with the changing nature of language. It's clear that somewhere along the historical line the meanings of the words in question have become blurry -- and are now used interchangably. A comparison of historical and modern dictionaries proves this out.
I find that frustrating. But it's no one's fault -- just the normal variability of language.
I picked up an autobiography of George Muller the other day. It was updated from a translation done in the 1800's from German into English -- the translators felt the receptor language had changed so greatly in such a short timeframe that a revision was required. The changes were made to simplify for the sake of understanding.
I agree with their intentions, but dislike the loss of specificity and nuance. Our language is shrinking. I find it hard to wear at times. Like an old and favorite shirt that is way beyond it's wearable comfort -- because I've eaten my way to a larger waistline.
[turns toward wife]
"Honey? Does this sentence make me look fat?" [silence]
[grins]
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