And the good writer chooses his words for their 'meaning'…
“And the good writer chooses his words for their 'meaning', but that meaning is not a a set, cut-off thing like the move of knight or pawn on a chess-board. It comes up with roots, with associations, with how and where the word is familiarly used, or where it has been used brilliantly or memorably.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Words gain meaning through cultural roots, associations, and usage, not fixed definitions like chess moves.
In simple terms: Meanings are shaped by context and history.
Key Takeaway
Consider context when choosing words.
Themes
language
meaning
context
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
explanatory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- teaching
- editing
- public speaking
Key Concepts
semiotics
cultural linguistics
association
Questions to Reflect On
- How does cultural background affect word choice?
- Can a word have multiple stable meanings?
A Different Perspective
Meanings can shift over time, causing misinterpretation.