words of all types are constantly being "devalued" to the extent that new words must be invented to convey the original sense intended. The word "Hero" is lost and there is no substitute. "Hero" has come to mean anyone we like, leaving no word for TRUE Heros. Thus, there is no ability in English to differentiate and discern.
This is true for many other words such as "Impact" and "Overview."
The word "Hero" is lost and there is no substitute. "Hero" has come to mean anyone we like, leaving no word for TRUE Heroes. Thus, there is no ability in English to differentiate and discern.You are right. And what an outstanding example of "word devaluation."
Hero, of Greek origin, is defined thus in my dictionary... and note that each of the definitions is a step down:
1. in mythology and legend, a man of great strength and courage, favored by the gods and in part descended from them, often regarded as half-god and worshipped after his death; as, Aeneas and Hector were heroes to the ancients.2. any man admired for his courage, nobility, or exploits, especially in war; as, Washington is a national hero.
3. any person admired for his qualities or achievements and regarded as an ideal or model.
4. the central male chacter in a novel, play, poem, etc., with whom the reader is supposed to sympathize; protagonist: often opposed to villain.
To continue the downward spiral of the word, we could add a usage more often seen these days:
5. the 15-year-old kid who kicks a field goal to prevent his sorry team from being winless.
What to do about "word devaluation"? Nothing, I guess, because the cure would be worse than the disease. France, as well as Quebéc, are obsessed with keeping the French language "pure," and have set up bureaucracies for the purpose of enforcement (as in making un-approved words on signs and in ads illegal). We don't want to go there.
Guess we'll just have to come up with a new word for hero.