A definition is nothing else but an explication of the…
“A definition is nothing else but an explication of the meaning of a word, by words whose meaning is already known. Hence it is evident that every word cannot be defined; for the definition must consist of words; and there could be no definition, if there were not words previously understood without definition.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Definitions rely on already understood words, creating a circular problem that makes some terms indefinable.
In simple terms: Words define words, so some words can’t be defined.
Key Takeaway
Accept limits of definability.
Themes
philosophy
language
logic
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- teaching language
- philosophical analysis
- legal drafting
- semantic research
Key Concepts
semantic theory
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What concepts resist definition?
- How do we handle undefined terms?
A Different Perspective
Circular definitions can obscure meaning rather than clarify.