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Definitions, her grandmother once said, had to be like a…

“Definitions, her grandmother once said, had to be like a fat man's belt - big enough to cover the subject but elastic enough to allow for change. The Sunborn” quote by Gregory Benford
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““Definitions, her grandmother once said, had to be like a fat man's belt - big enough to cover the subject but elastic enough to allow for change. The Sunborn””

Gregory Benford

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Definitions should be broad enough to encompass a topic yet flexible enough to adapt over time.

In simple terms: Broad yet flexible definitions.

Key Takeaway

Make definitions adaptable.

Themes

language definition flexibility

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

educational reflective

When to use this quote

  • academic writing
  • policy drafting
  • education
  • software design

Key Concepts

philosophy semantics communication

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance completeness with adaptability?
  • When should definitions be revised?
A Different Perspective

Overly rigid definitions can stifle innovation.

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