Stupid Question - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Amaris Ethne · 08-23-2003, 06:41 PM

Okay, this question is stupid. And if I wanted to I could proabably figure it out somehow, but I'm gonna ask all of you. I've heard people say "Elvish" and "Elven". Which is correct? I acutually heard Peter Jackson use both about two minutes apart. So which is more correct or does it not matter or am I just being really stupid and no one will answer me because the question is completley below everyone here??

(BTW this is my first post here...)

Well, if anyone decides to answer, thanks in advance.

Lord of Angmar · 08-23-2003, 07:20 PM

Welcome to the Downs, Amaris. Believe me, there have been far stupider questions posted here.

The word 'Elvish' has two uses; it can refer to the language of the Firstborn, but it is more commonly used to talk of things that have qualities and attributes that resemble works or members of the race of Elves. Something Elven is something that is undeniably and unarguably a product of the Elves. One could say that something seems Elvish that is not so, but to say that something is Elven (an Elven maiden or Elven blade, for example) is to say that it is a member of or creation of the Elves.

I hope this is an adequate and accurate clarification and answer to your question. I hope you enjoy your time here, as one of the Dead.

Cheers!
-Angmar

Luthien_ Tinuviel · 08-24-2003, 02:48 PM

Lord of Angmar is most likely correct. To add to that note, and if you go in for grammar at all (I don't, really, so I'm not quite sure why I'm saying this, but bear with me), although they are both adjectives, Elvish is usually used to describe someone or something's attributes (her manner of speech was distinctly elvish, or the ring is elvish in origin, though where it comes from I know not), whereas Elven seems to be used primarily as an identifier (the elven-blade, or down the stream they rode in their elven-boats). Overall, however, the terms seem to be interchangeable, with Elven being the favored term.

Scott · 08-24-2003, 04:19 PM

I always remember the difference by referring to the suffix "ish". usually if I describe something as "ish"ish (bad example) I mean that it has the attributes of the base word. Like, "The brown gem did look rather greenish in that radiant light."

Amaris Ethne · 08-25-2003, 11:45 AM

Thank you, everyone. You have been most helpful.

The Only Real Estel · 08-25-2003, 07:37 PM

Amaris Ethne: *Estel says in a 'wise parent voice', "No question is a stupid quesiton."

[img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

08-23-2003, 06:41 PM	#1
Amaris Ethne Animated Skeleton Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Ireland Posts: 27	Stupid Question Okay, this question is stupid. And if I wanted to I could proabably figure it out somehow, but I'm gonna ask all of you. I've heard people say "Elvish" and "Elven". Which is correct? I acutually heard Peter Jackson use both about two minutes apart. So which is more correct or does it not matter or am I just being really stupid and no one will answer me because the question is completley below everyone here?? (BTW this is my first post here...) Well, if anyone decides to answer, thanks in advance. __________________ Merry Meet, Merry Part and Merry Meet Again. Blessed Be.

08-23-2003, 07:20 PM	#2
Lord of Angmar Tyrannus Incorporalis Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: the North Posts: 833	Welcome to the Downs, Amaris. Believe me, there have been far stupider questions posted here. The word 'Elvish' has two uses; it can refer to the language of the Firstborn, but it is more commonly used to talk of things that have qualities and attributes that resemble works or members of the race of Elves. Something Elven is something that is undeniably and unarguably a product of the Elves. One could say that something seems Elvish that is not so, but to say that something is Elven (an Elven maiden or Elven blade, for example) is to say that it is a member of or creation of the Elves. I hope this is an adequate and accurate clarification and answer to your question. I hope you enjoy your time here, as one of the Dead. Cheers! -Angmar __________________ ...where the instrument of intelligence is added to brute power and evil will, mankind is powerless in its own defence.

08-24-2003, 02:48 PM	#3
Luthien_ Tinuviel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: May 2002 Location: A very lovely tree-hut in the Chunnel. Posts: 804	Lord of Angmar is most likely correct. To add to that note, and if you go in for grammar at all (I don't, really, so I'm not quite sure why I'm saying this, but bear with me), although they are both adjectives, Elvish is usually used to describe someone or something's attributes (her manner of speech was distinctly elvish, or the ring is elvish in origin, though where it comes from I know not), whereas Elven seems to be used primarily as an identifier (the elven-blade, or down the stream they rode in their elven-boats). Overall, however, the terms seem to be interchangeable, with Elven being the favored term. __________________ I am a nineteen-year-old nomad photographer who owns a lemonade stand. You know what? I love Mip.

08-24-2003, 04:19 PM	#4
Scott Wight Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Ohio/Grey Havens Posts: 183	I always remember the difference by referring to the suffix "ish". usually if I describe something as "ish"ish (bad example) I mean that it has the attributes of the base word. Like, "The brown gem did look rather greenish in that radiant light." __________________ Those who the Gods would destroy, They first make mad. ~Those Crazy Greeks

08-25-2003, 11:45 AM	#5
Amaris Ethne Animated Skeleton Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Ireland Posts: 27	Thank you, everyone. You have been most helpful. __________________ Merry Meet, Merry Part and Merry Meet Again. Blessed Be.

08-25-2003, 07:37 PM	#6
The Only Real Estel Raffish Rapscallion Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Far from the 'Downs, it seems :-( Posts: 3,025	Amaris Ethne: *Estel says in a 'wise parent voice', "No question is a stupid quesiton." [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]