Intermediate Quote by John Stuart Mill
““An intermediate case is that of a name used analogically or metaphorically; that is, a name which is predicated of two things, not univocally, or exactly in the same signification, but in significations somewhat similar, and which being derived one from the other, one of them may be considered the primary, and the other a secondary signification.””
About This Quote
Source Book: A System of Logic, John Stuart Mill, 1843
A name can have multiple related meanings; one primary and one secondary, allowing flexible use across contexts.
In simple terms: Words can hold primary and secondary meanings.
Key Takeaway
Clarify which meaning you intend when using ambiguous terms.
Themes
language
semantics
ambiguity
Mood
analytical
educational
Type
philosophical
explanatory
When to use this quote
- legal drafting
- academic writing
- advertising
Key Concepts
philosophy of language
logic
metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you determine which meaning is primary?
- When is it useful to employ secondary meanings?
A Different Perspective
Secondary meanings may cause confusion if not defined.
![“[For people] to refuse a hearing to an opinion, because they are sure that it is false, is to assume that their certainty is the same thing as absolute certainty. All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility.” quote by John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c53/john-stuart-mill-477_doubt_for-people-to-refuse-a-hearing-to-an-opi_63929.jpg)
