Comments on: Are You Sure You Mean “Moot”?

By: Jeff

Jeff — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:22:24 +0000

I could be wrong but I think it’s just a case of a shifting understanding where people hearing that something is a moot point begin to understand is as something that can’t be determined or argued and the eventually becoming something that is agreed. What is agreed is that there is no agreement so, it is a moot point and to make that statement allows you to move on to other aspects of defining what can be argued to bring a conclusion. We could say, when you use moot you are basically saying let’s agree to disagree and call it a wash.

By: Elizabeth McAllister

Elizabeth McAllister — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:15:09 +0000

“Moot” seems to be one of those few words that can mean exact opposites — such as “sanction” and “citation.” In law, a “moot court” argues a question. As a lawyer, when writing appeals, I use it in the sense that “the court should not refuse to consider this issue; the question is not moot [closed] even though the plaintiff’s sentence has run out, as he wishes to clear his name. . . ” etc.

By: Joshua

Joshua — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:04:03 +0000

This is a fine (or moot?) example of an English word changing over time. If you research the word “gentleman”, it originally had nothing to do with manners… it was simply a man who owned land and had a family crest. He could have been a complete boor, as well as a gentleman…

By: Silvia

Silvia — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 17:54:13 +0000

There seem to be many words that take on the opposite of their original meaning over time. I love hearing about this stuff!

By: Andy

Andy — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 02:34:39 +0000

John on November 10th, 2007 1:21 pm At this moment, the correct usage of the word moot is a moot point. But I would say this, I would not avoid using this word altogether. But I am glad that you have pointed out the original meaning. Thanks,
John. Thanks, now instead of At this moment I can use now, currently or presently. What logorrhea. Sounds a bit pompous.