Consorting

/kənˈsɔːr.tɪŋ/ verb

Definition

Associating or spending time with someone, often with the implication of impropriety or disapproval.

Etymology

From Old French 'consorter' and Latin 'consorte' (com- + sors, 'companion/fate'). Originally meant having the same fate or condition; evolved to mean keeping company together.

Kelly Says

The word originally just meant 'sharing fate,' but now it's loaded with judgment—'consorting with criminals' sounds worse than 'spending time with criminals.' Language sneaks moral judgments into supposedly neutral words!

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