Author Topic: Does not matter vs. Makes no difference (Read 291 times)

Matthew · « **on:** April 07, 2019, 09:53:56 AM »

Does not matter vs. Makes no difference

For most Americans, choosing between these phrases is six of one, half a dozen of the other! Completely synonymous -- you can flip a coin to pick the right one.

But there's actually a major difference in meaning between them.

Will I die at 30, or 80?

Does not matter. At least in the big picture, what's BY FAR THE MOST important is to remember what life is about: dying in the state of grace and saving our immortal souls.
But does it make no difference? NO WAY!

It makes a huge difference how long I live: how much impact I have on the world, on the lives of my children, if I even have any children, how much merit I can gain for heaven, etc.

See the difference between these two seemingly synonymous phrases?

forlorn · « **Reply #1 on:** April 07, 2019, 09:59:05 AM »

Good point, I've often mistakenly used them synonymously.

One that always bugs me is when people use "Everything's not" as a synonym for "Not everything." For example: A person might say "Everyone's not good at art!". That would mean that no one is good at art. I think Michelangelo or Caspar Friedrich might have a thing or two to say about that. What the person usually means is "Not everyone is good at art."

Author Topic: Does not matter vs. Makes no difference (Read 291 times)

Matthew

Does not matter vs. Makes no difference

forlorn

Re: Does not matter vs. Makes no difference