Dear Reg and List,
> Then what is the root of "alter'nate" and "a'ter|nate" if not two? Even
> 'alter ego' has a dual state in spite of its altus root.
There are two different Latin words:-
1. altus - meaning high
2. alter - meaning one or other of two
They are completely different words. Any good English dictionary will give
the etymology of words, in this case alto from altus meaning high, alternate
from alter meaning other (of two).
Regards,
Sheila
Sheila Graham
Mezzo-Soprano, Edinburgh, Scotland
www.sheilagraham.demon.co.uk
'She is a singer, and therefore capable of anything' (Bellini)
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