1. seta

    seta New Member

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    Can't remember this word!!!

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by seta, Jul 3, 2009.

    Okay, there's a word that I've been trying to remember and for the life of me I cannot...

    It's a noun, specifically for addressing someone of rank. It was either a -tory or -ive word.

    Like "missive" or "statutory" - a word like "sir" would fall under this category. I remember that this word is used in teaching Japanese because of the rank-related ending names. -sama -senpai, etcetera.

    It's not "salutory" or something like that - I remember that this word specifically means addressing someone of a higher rank...
     
  2. architectus

    architectus Banned

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    To Salute? Salutation?
     
  3. Eutheria

    Eutheria New Member

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    Now you have me wondering what it was. The only word that comes to mind (inspired by your mention of -sama) is "honorific".
     
  4. Wreybies

    Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

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    ^ I did a good bit of wiki-hopping and I agree, honorific is the best I could come with as well.
     
  5. marina

    marina Contributor Contributor

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    All I can think of is: "The honorable"

    Other than that, it's all specific: Professor, Senator, Doctor, Madam Secretary, etc.

    Edit: Also, thinking about the book Oliver Twist, how about "Governor", if you're thinking of an English term?
     
  6. Rei

    Rei Contributor Contributor

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    Are you thinking along the lines on sensei? That is the honourific used for teachers in Japan.
     
  7. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    Is the word you are looking for an honorific?
     
  8. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    sounds like it to me, too!
     
  9. Rei

    Rei Contributor Contributor

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    *smacks forehead* I just reread the post. Yeah, the word your looking is honorific.
     
  10. seta

    seta New Member

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    honorific! That's it!

    Thanks guys. My memory is weird - I never remember names or labels or anything. I just remember what something means. That works well for science... sometimes...

    Like the principle of force between two pieces of metal... some unknown cause as of yet. I can't remember the name of the force. It's named after some scientist.

    Or the psychology effect called Hans-Kruger... or something. Basically, through cognitive dissonance, you believe you're better than you really are. Can't remember the actual name of the disorder. I just remember what it's about.
     

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