English Quote by CS Lewis
““The vocabulary of flattery and insult is continually enlarged at the expense of the vocabulary of definition. As old horses go to the knacker's yard, or old ships to the breakers, so words in their last decay go to swell the enormous list of synonyms for good and bad. And as long as most people are more anxious to express their likes and dislikes than to describe facts, this must remain a universal truth about language.””
About This Quote
Language expands with flattery and insult, while precise definitions shrink, leading to vague communication driven by emotion rather than fact.
In simple terms: Words grow with praise and insults, but definitions shrink.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize clear, factual language.
Themes
communication
language evolution
semantics
truth
emotion
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
educational
reflective
When to use this quote
- debates
- media analysis
- education
- writing
Key Concepts
vocabulary growth
semantic decay
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you improve clarity in speech?
- What role does emotion play in language?
A Different Perspective
Overuse of adjectives can obscure meaning.
