For a large class of cases - though not for all - in which we employ the word meaning it can be defined thus: the meaning of a word is its use in the language.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The meaning of a word is determined by how it is used in language, not by an abstract definition.
- In plain terms
- A word means what people do with it in conversation.
- What can you take from it?
- Define words by their actual usage rather than abstract ideas.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does context change what a word means to you?
Another view
Some words have meanings beyond immediate use, like proper nouns.
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