There are dozens of instances in literature of the noun 'ferment' being used in a figurative sense. This movement towards figurative sense away from literal is part of the process of linguistic evolution (just like filibuster or nonchalant or scold). ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris Miller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, August 01, 2003 6:13 PM Subject: Re: [framcom] ferment note
> Foment is a verb not a noun. Ferment is the correct usage. > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Rubensteins" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Sent: Friday, August 01, 2003 6:51 AM > Subject: [framcom] ferment note > > > > Re: yesterday's discussion of "ferment", from today's New York Times: > > > > WEEKEND ARTS > > > > From Lurid to Luminous: Pre-Nazi German Images > > Looking at this selection of German art at the Neue Galerie, it's hard not > > to think about the background of creative ferment that culminated in the > > rise of Nazism. With a slide show. > > > > While I too thought they intended to use "foment" (to provoke, stir up), I > > have learned something new. > > Anne Rubenstein > > > > > > >
