Is there a plural form of..

[destinie21]

What's the plural form of Nemesis

 

[Guest]

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

2 plural nem·e·ses /-"sEz/ a : one that inflicts retribution or vengeance

source : http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=nemesis


How about using enemies instead?

The two words aren't perfect synonyms. A nemesis might be compared to an archenemy or arch-rival. A soldier who tries to kill you in a battle is probably unknown but still an enemy. If your nemesis tries to kill you, it's always personal.

RF

 

[destinie21]

Some how
"my arch nemeses" just dosen't sound right

 

[Guest]

Some how
"my arch nemeses" just dosen't sound right

You're right, it doesn't.

How about: "They were my arch rivals; my nemeses."

This not only demonstates your negative relationship with the antagonists, but also emphasises that they could be the bringers of your downfall.

Lou

 

[Guest]

inherent meaning

destinie-

While nemeses is correct, I think you may be struggling with the concept of there being more than one nemesis for one person. I have interpreted the meaning of nemesis to imply, as RF noted, the quintessential opposite or rival of someone. There is a personal link.

It seems to be a psychological link between the two individuals, almost an interdependence.

Perhaps a character having more than one nemesis would be a bit confusing.

But, of course, I could be totally wrong. Wouldn't be the first time.

b

 

[ffreak]

"my arch nemeses" just doesn't sound right

they could be the bringers of your downfall.

sounds like some pretty bad shoes to me.

(sorry just couldn't help it ladies - helped me start the day with a good laugh)

seriously, the Tatelou's advise is how I'd go.
"They were my arch rivals; my nemeses."
I always like this type of writing because it pinpoints the definition as the writer intends to use the word. Once stated like this the reader knows exactly what you mean if you use the word anywhere else in the story.

 

[gauchecritic]

You're arch nemesis sounds ok to me. The nemesis above all others. You sure have a lot of nemeses though. Maybe you should tone down your posts.

Gauche

 

[MathGirl]

What's the plural form of Nemesis

Dear D,
Very simple: Pure and BS. As the Brits say, "Bill's your cousin."
MG

 

[Guest]

I agree that one can only have one real nemesis per the definition of the word. I presume the plural might be used thusly, "All our nemeses seem to have one thing in common: a lack of pure intellect and an abundance of bullshit."

Re. MG's comment, I'd lump Pure and BS into one easily.

Perdita (who does not give them enough credit though to bestow such an honorory title as nemesis)

 

[MathGirl]

Rethinking

Perdita (who does not give them enough credit though to bestow such an honorory title as nemesis)

Dear Perdita,
You're correct. The term does carry the connotation that the nemesis (es) have certain threatening capabilities which is not the actual case. Thank you for the correction.
MG

 

[Icingsugar]

Re: Rethinking

I saw someone use "nemesi" once. (as in octopus - octopi) But the rest of that text took some major liberties with the english language, so don't take my word for it.

 

[MathGirl]

Re: Re: Rethinking

so don't take my word for it.

Don't worry.
MG
Ps. There's no such word.

 

[Guest]

Re: Re: Rethinking

... so don't take my word for it.

I doubt anyone here takes anyone's word on anything (that may well be a special level of irony).

Perdita

 

[Icingsugar]

Re: Re: Re: Rethinking

I doubt anyone here takes anyone's word on anything (that may well be a special level of irony).

Perdita

Glad to hear it. As long as I don't manage to take myself seriously, I'll be damned if someone else beats me to it.

cheers!
/Ice (Sven?)

 

[Guest]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Rethinking

Glad to hear it. As long as I don't manage to take myself seriously, I'll be damned if someone else beats me to it.

I like "Ice", Sven. Yes, it is required no one take themselves seriously here, except when being seriously serious or drunk.

cheers, Perdita

 

[Quasimodem]

nemesis >noun (pl. nemeses) 1 an inescapable agent of retribution: inflationary excess brought its nemesis in subsequent deflation. 2 retribution caused by such an agent.

-ORIGIN Greek, 'retribution', personified as the goddess of divine punishment.


An example of plural nemesis:

"Twelve cases of Jamaican Rum washing up on his beach proved to be his nemeses."

 

[destinie21]

maybe I'll find another word. To me nemeses sounds as silly as gooseses would

 

[raphy]

Wow, my first Lit post.

"Twelve cases of Jamaican Rum washing up on his beach proved to be his nemeses."

In this case, wouldn't the twelve cases of rum be dealt with as a single entity, and thus *still* remain a Nemesis, rather than a plural "Nemeses"?

I don't think the English language is cut out for this sort of discussion.

*grins*

 

[Guest]

I don't think the English language is cut out for this sort of discussion.

When did that ever stop anyone?

Welcome to the AH, and don't drink all the rum.

Lou

 

[destinie21]

When did that ever stop anyone?

Welcome to the AH, and don't drink all the rum.

Lou

don't drink the water either
It may cause verbal diarrhea

 

[raphy]

When did that ever stop anyone?

Welcome to the AH, and don't drink all the rum.

Lou

*grins*.. Thanks. Lurked for a long time. And I wouldn't dare! .. I mean... I wouldn't want to risk rum becoming my nemesis..

 

[Guest]

*grins*.. Thanks. Lurked for a long time. And I wouldn't dare! .. I mean... I wouldn't want to risk rum becoming my nemesis..

If you drank 12 cases of it you'd be past caring. Past living come to think of it. So, yes, it would be your nemisis.

I think I'll take my chances with the water.

Lou

 

[MathGirl]

Pick me no ......

"Twelve cases of Jamaican Rum washing up on his beach proved to be his nemeses." In this case, wouldn't the twelve cases of rum be dealt with as a single entity, and thus *still* remain a Nemesis, rather than a plural "Nemeses"?

Dear Photog,
True, but we try not to split hairs around here. That's why nobody mentioned it.

I hope you didn't mind me calling you by your first name.
Ms. Girl

 

[destinie21]

Re: Pick me no ......

Dear Photog,
True, but we try not to split hairs around here. That's why nobody mentioned it.

We do since when? How come I didn't get the newsletter?
damn that virtual paper person
regards D21 PC

PS: PC is short for potentially crazy