How about “sanction” as a noun, which is a punitive or restrictive measure by the international community against a nation for some transgression, but the verb “to sanction” means to condone or allow?
Speaking of this sort of usage, I distinctly remember in primary school (for me, 1964 to 1969), the teachers would never say that so-and-so was out “sick”. They would always tell us instead that the kid was ill, which on the other hand one never heard elsewhere in conversation. I suppose the idea then was that “be” must take an adverb. I can just imagine the thought process one might go through:
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Do teachers still insist on “ill” in this context?
That, and “definately”, both of which are sending my spell checker into fits as I type this. Really, people, is it that hard to run the spell check? Google tool bar, easy and free to all.
When did things start to happen “On accident”? I’ve certainly done things by accident, but on one? I hear this all the time now and it’s making me crazy.
Missed the whole point of my post did we?
Hmmm, I think I’m missing the point of your post too.
Weighing in on the various usages under discussion–because usage and opinions ultimately decide such issues, although it sometimes takes centuries:
“Unique” can be a comparative term, because things can be unique in a limited context or unique in all the universe. “Completely unique” implies the latter. A unique answer in a classroom is likely unique in a very limited sense.
Using “literally” to mean its opposite bothers me.
It was interesting to read the olde verse using “no love lost,” but I grew up learning the present meaning and consider it a useful expression.
Likewise, “quantum leap” is a useful and clear expression. It means a change or insight that involve a fundamental change. You’ve moved to a different (energy) state instead of screwing around with tweaks in the old one.