Correct word usage?
This jerk bartender corrected me tonight [in front of company too!] on my use of the word procession. He overheard me telling my friend that “some people want more in relationships the longer they’re in them – it’s a natural procession.” The bartender loudly ridiculed me for not using the word “progression” but isn’t procession also appropriate? I avoided progression because it implies progress – no?
Anyway, please help me out. This is bugging me.
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According to Merriam Webster’s, procession also means “continuous forward movement”, similar to progression, “the action or process of progressing (“to move forward” or “to develop to a higher, better, or more advanced stage “)”. So, actually, you were quite right in using procession. However, ‘forward movement’ may still imply some kind of progress.
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You can use whatever word you like, but “procession” sounds a lot like “progression,” which is the word commonly used in the expression “natural progression.” The bartender probably thought you were guilty of a Malapropism (eg, “You could have knocked me over with a fender!”), but wrongly decided to correct you in front of everyone.
By the way, “natural progression” doesn’t necessarily imply progress, but it does imply one event “progressing” (or leading) naturally to another. You can use the word with a clear conscience.
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Yes, they are synonymous in that context. The bartender may be a word nazi. Progression is the more common word used in that phrase, but not necessarily the only correct one.
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Technically the word you used works also. In that context people are used to hearing progression though. Sucks to call you out in front of friends no matter what, pretty rude.
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you are right it’s just the context you used it in.
it’s like saying some is ecstatic about fighting with someone, a better choice of words would be i’m upset about fighting. but either one means emotions, just being ecstatic makes one think of excitment in a good way.
both words procc/prog mean to develop or change in to
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5 years ago
Is would be the correct question. To avoid the problem, maybe the question should read: Does the World News come on at six or seven?
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A procession is walking. Feet are involved. Nonetheless the jerk should not have embarrassed you.
-MM
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