Expert: Carol Pozefsky - 10/14/2004

Question
Hi Carol,

This "AllExperts" site is a neat concept to be sure.  I have a specific question but permit me to provide you with some context.  

I was driving along with a friend.  Rush hour was just finishing and he asked me which of two roads we should take (Bronson Avenue or Bank Street) so as to make the best time to our destination.  I suggested that we take Bronson Avenue because "the traffic on Bank would be more sincere at this time." I was soundly ridiculed for the entire evening.  Suddenly the chairs became "empathetic" and the the sandwiches "compassionate" , etc.  

When I dropped him off at home, his wife was there to hear the story and to mock me as well.
My friend is a journalist and his wife is an editor and poet.  I would like to demonstrate to them that traffic (or other similar nouns) might be used with the adjective "sincere."

Question: Can the word sincere be used to describe "traffic"?

Thanks,
John


Answer
Hello, I hope you've had a fine week,
    Most word authorities trace the word 'sincere' to the Latin word 'sincerus' meaning clean or pure'.  
     Another theory stems from the practice of Roman quarrymen of rubbing wax on marble blocks to conceal thier imperfections.  The Roman Senate then decreed that all marble be 'without wax', or 'sine cera'. There are those who believe that that is the origin of the word sincere.
   But no one seems to doubt the current meaning of the word.It means true, honest, real, free of guile or deception.  I cannot imagine any use of the word in the context which you describe.
    The best to you always.  Carol P.