*still* more on definition of "meta"

[Matt Theobald]

formation is the suffix of information
(C:
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On Wed, 4 Mar 1998, Jul,Erik wrote:

> > Diane Madrigal [SMTP:DMADRIGA at MAIL.NYSED.GOV] writes: 
> > 
> > No, they don't provide a specific source for their definition, but the
> > sentence just before the piece I first quoted is "The word metadata
> > shares the same Greek root as the word metamorphosis."
> > 
> 	[Jul,Erik]  
> 
> 	Ah, now I see the connection.  Unfortunately, it is not wholly
> correct.  "Metamorphosis" and "metadata" do share "meta."  That's all
> they share.
> 
> 	Metamorphosis, which we all know to be a "transformation,"
> derives from the Greek meta + morphoo (a verb meaning "to give form to"
> or "to shape").
> 
> 	Meta, when used in *compound verbs* such as the Greek verb
> metamorphoo ("to transform"), often does impart the meaning of change.
> 
> 	Our word in question, however, does not derive directly from a
> Greek compound verb.  In fact, it's roots are only partly Greek.  "Data"
> derives from the Latin verb, "dare," to give.  Thus, datum (singular) is
> a thing given.  In English, a fact, a given.
> 
> 	So, rather than meta having the force of "change" when used in
> compound Greek verbs, a usage which does not pertain in the case or
> "metadata," it's better to use the sense of "with"; metadata, "that
> given with."
> 
> 	Gristle for thought.
> 
> 	--Erik
> 
> 	Erik Jul
> 	jul at oclc.org
> 
> 
>