From the first time I heard the word novel in the phrase "novel coronavirus" to this time, I have failed to understand how the word novel could be associated with a disease like coronavirus that has caused this pandemic.
The word "little" and the phrase "a little" can literally describe the same amount. However, they express different sentiments. One is negative and the other is positive.
I am not a native English speaker. My understanding of the word novel has always been positive.
After I heard the phrase "novel coronavirus," I went back and checked the dictionary definition of novel to be sure. Its synonyms are new, original, fresh.
I am not convinced that its use can be associated with anything other than something that is positive.
So, how was it associated with a virus that has caused this pandemic?
My next question is what the phrase disease control means. What does having a center to control disease mean? Traditionally, people are cured from diseases. Doesn't the idea of controlling a disease take attention from curing the patient?
A health organization and a disease control center could be doing exactly the same thing but they don't seem to be describing the same activities. Or is it just me reading too much into what is in the name?