Weirded out by this synonym of disconcerting
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Weirded out by this synonym of disconcerting
I watch a fair amount of newscasts on TV and read or hear what pundits are saying. Since when did "concerning" become such a popular synonym for "disconcerting"? I hear this so so frequently any more: pundits say "I find it concerning that..." instead of "I find it disconcerting that...". I don't doubt the validity of that phraseology, I suppose; it just sounds alien and unfamiliar. Oh I'll adjust. I'd like to hear other opinions. Thanks.
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Re: Weirded out by this synonym of disconcerting
Concerning your post, I find that most online dictionaries define "concerning" asnosebleed wrote: ↑Fri Jun 12, 2020 5:46 pm I watch a fair amount of newscasts on TV and read or hear what pundits are saying. Since when did "concerning" become such a popular synonym for "disconcerting"? I hear this so so frequently any more: pundits say "I find it concerning that..." instead of "I find it disconcerting that...". I don't doubt the validity of that phraseology, I suppose; it just sounds alien and unfamiliar. Oh I'll adjust. I'd like to hear other opinions. Thanks.
1. preposition meaning about, regarding
2. adjective meaning causing anxiety, worrying
At the same time, if I refer to my 1995 Concise Oxford Dictionary the only reference I find for "concerning" is as a preposition meaning: about, regarding
Whether this reflects an actual change in the language I cannot say, though I suspect so.
I would add that I don't think "disconcerting" can be seen as a synonym for "worrying". The usual dictionary definition of "disconcerting" is: causing one to feel unsettled
Having said all that, I personally do find it disconcerting when people use concerning in the way you describe.
Just IMHO.
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Re: Weirded out by this synonym of disconcerting
Thank you Joe; it's good to know that I am not alone in my wonder. 'Not real sure that "worrying" is a valid synonym though surely "worrisome" qualifies.
Yes, that "concerning" phrasing is ubiquitous nowadays. A few examples are found in today's Google News headlines (USA edition):
"COVID-19 Cases Trend in Utah is 'Concerning'.
and, "Cleveland Clinic reports ‘concerning decrease’ in mental health ER visits as ...".
and, "'Gravely concerning:' 15 kids injured, killed in Milwaukee gun violence ...".
Yes, that "concerning" phrasing is ubiquitous nowadays. A few examples are found in today's Google News headlines (USA edition):
"COVID-19 Cases Trend in Utah is 'Concerning'.
and, "Cleveland Clinic reports ‘concerning decrease’ in mental health ER visits as ...".
and, "'Gravely concerning:' 15 kids injured, killed in Milwaukee gun violence ...".