Which text uses the word nauseous in its traditional sense?
The avant-garde artist deftly used neon colors and geometric patterns to create nauseous spirals that forced many viewers to look away after only a few minutes. The avant-garde artist deftly used neon colors and geometric patterns to create disorienting spirals so intense that they caused some viewers to become nauseous just from looking at them.
Words change in meaning when speakers begin using them in new ways. For example, the word peruse once only meant to examine in detail, but it's now also commonly used to mean to look through in a casual manner.
When a word changes in meaning, its correct usage is often debated. Although a newer sense of the word may be more commonly used, many people consider a word's traditional definition to be the correct usage. Being able to distinguish the different uses of a word can help you use it appropriately for different audiences.
Britney perused her notes, carefully preparing for her exam.
The traditional usage above is considered more standard.
David perused the magazine, absentmindedly flipping through the pages.
The nontraditional usage above is now commonly used, but traditional style guides generally advise against it.
The first text uses nauseous in its traditional sense: causing disgust or nausea.
The avant-garde artist deftly used neon colors and geometric patterns to create nauseous spirals that forced many viewers to look away after only a few minutes.
The second text uses nauseous in its nontraditional sense: feeling disgusted or nauseated.
The avant-garde artist deftly used neon colors and geometric patterns to create disorienting spirals so intense that they caused some viewers to become nauseous just from looking at them.
Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word nauseous because it is considered more standard.