In a hunting rifle, accuracy is what really counts. Precision means nothing without accuracy, the ability to hit what’s aimed at, precisely where it needs to be hit, with the first shot or two.
I always appreciate the folks who differentiate between precision and accuracy--bu the two major references on the English language, The
Oxford English Dictionary for British English, and the various editions of
Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary for the American dialect, list “accuracy” and “precision” as synonyms, meaning exactly the same thing.
The differentiation between precision and accuracy is a form of jargon--which the OED defines as "special words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group."
I was once asked if I knew the difference between ignorance and apathy. I replied, I don’t know and I don’t care.
Irregardless, it seems that in refining definitions of words, previously trusted and respected dictionaries have, in more recent times, placed much emphasis on word usage by undereducated people who simply don’t know any better, thereby legitimizing the imprecise use of otherwise precise words, as well as fostering the use of non-words, such as irregardless. I’m afraid this is yet another example of the “go along to get along” mentality, so prevalent now. The lowest common denominator rules.
I must occasionally deal with people who completely lack the ability to communicate the precise nature of their issues with the correspondingly necessary “precision,” who then become frustrated, uncontrollably irritated and obnoxious when things don’t go quite the way they expect. Lately, in order to accommodate the special needs of such people, I’m able to refer them to an outstanding younger member of my staff who, in addition to other highly valuable skills, apparently understands and speaks modern moron fluently. Ours is a full service organization, you see.
