The English Language

[Michael Farthing]

It also has an older and now little used meaning in the phrase "a nice distinction" where it roughly means something that needs careful or subtle thinking.

[soheil_hooshdaran]

nice means very pleasant or just pleasant?

Depends on the context. Normally it means just pleasant and we would qualify it (e.g. that was a a really nice sacrifice") It's a weak word - we try to avoid writing it if there is a suitable alternative

Thanks.

[soheil_hooshdaran]

It also has an older and now little used meaning in the phrase "a nice distinction" where it roughly means something that needs careful or subtle thinking.

Means the same as fine distinction?

[John McKenna]

A "nice distinction" is usually a good distinction but a "fine distinction" would either mean (depending on the context) a better (than nice) one or, more usually, a very small difference between two things.

[soheil_hooshdaran]

Thanks.
What does 'commanding' mean in:
But the most important strategic element in this position is the
strong centralized e5-knight which, in imperial style, lies on a commanding outpost.
? Thanks in advance

[Barry Sandercock]

Commanding means dominant or controlling.

[soheil_hooshdaran]

Thanks.
What does Paranoia mean?

Before we go on, I have to say that I do not really believe in ratings. I also find the entire paranoia that revolves around them pretty much irrelevant.

[John McKenna]

A dictionary definition -

1. a mental disorder characterized by delusions of persecution or grandeur

2. a tendency towards excessive or irrational suspiciousness and distrustfulness

In the specific quote you gave, above, the use of the word 'paranoia' is an exaggeration and it simply means the author believes that players should not be concerned (paranoid/worried) about ratings - neither their own nor others'.

[soheil_hooshdaran]

What does practice mean in:

• Try to under­stand it [= the symbol +/=] and benefit as much as possible from its almost mythical significance in the world of mod­em chess practice
  I have therefore opted for a combined approach: 50 examples from my practice and 25 of other, outstand­ing players.
  I would like to thank him for the way he taught me to under­stand and practice chess.
  The most important element in modern chess practice is probably correct planning.

Thanks in advance

[soheil_hooshdaran]

A dictionary definition -

1. a mental disorder characterized by delusions of persecution or grandeur

2. a tendency towards excessive or irrational suspiciousness and distrustfulness

In the specific quote you gave, above, the use of the word 'paranoia' is an exaggeration and it simply means the author believes that players should not be concerned (paranoid/worried) about ratings - neither their own nor others'.

Too much concern includes the greed for rating, not specifically adressing sense 1.
But there are people who have a high opinion of themselves simply because of their higher rating. For example4, a prerequisite for becoming a 2nd hand (from 3rd hand) coach here is to have a 1800 rating, and for a 1st hand coach is to have a 2200 rating.








b

[John McKenna]

chess 'practice' (noun) = chess games

practise (verb) chess = play chess

[soheil_hooshdaran]

Can practice mean activity?

[soheil_hooshdaran]

Yes, I think so - more or less

'drum up' seems to mean differntly in
Black needs some primi­tive action, but this is not easy to drum up.
right?

[soheil_hooshdaran]

chess 'practice' (noun) = chess games

practise (verb) chess = play chess

I don't understand sir. chess has been played the same since the Renaissance (except for the enpassant rule)

[John McKenna]

That may well be so.

However, it has nothing to do with your question.

Chess 'practice' in your q. means chess games.

I added the nice distinction that the word is spelled with an 's' instead of a 'c' when used as a verb rather than a noun.

Can practice mean activity?

Yes in a sense, e.g. -

Q. What extracurricular activity are you going to this evening?

A. Football practice - I'm practising to become a pro.