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word usage - Catholic with a small c


When Conservative is spelled with a capital C it usually refers to the Conservative and Unionist Party of Great Britain. Spelled with a small c, it becomes the adjective conservative meaning *averse to change or innovation and holding traditional values. People, in Britain at any rate will sometimes describe themselves as 'conservative with a small c'.


Similarly Catholic, spelled with a capital C usually refers to the Roman Catholic church, and/or its members. But spelled with a small c, it means: a wide variety of things; all embracing. So I may describe my taste in food as catholic meaning I am willing to try anything.


But whilst I have heard plenty of people describe their tastes as 'catholic', I have never heard anyone use the expression catholic with a small c.


Would it generally be understood and accepted into mainstream conversation if someone did. If not, what is the term, meaning 'all embracing', (apart, of course from 'all embracing').



Answer



After a service, I asked a priest about the creed which reads, "one holy, catholic church" and said I thought I was attending an Anglican church.


He replied, "'Catholic' with a small c."


That was 20 years ago, so it would be understood in religious settings at the very least.


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