Fastidious Quote by Gilbert K. Chesterton
“Correctitude implies nowadays a formal or fastidious use of words; and what is wanted is not so much the correct as the living use of words. It is the memory of the meaning of a word which is the life of the word.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Everlasting Man", 1925
Words should be alive and meaningful, not merely correct or formal; true understanding comes from remembering a word’s essence.
In simple terms: Use words for meaning, not just correctness.
Prioritize living meaning over strict form.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing
- teaching
- public speaking
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does focusing on meaning change your writing?
- When have you let form dominate content?
Overemphasis on correctness can stifle creativity and nuance.