Define Quote by John Stuart Mill
““To define, is to select from among all the properties of a thing, those which shall be understood to be designated and declared by its name; and the properties must be well known to us before we can be competent to determine which of them are fittest to be chosen for this purpose.””
About This Quote
Source Book: A System of Logic, 1843
Defining a term means choosing its most relevant properties after fully understanding them.
In simple terms: Definition selects key traits.
Key Takeaway
Know a thing fully before naming it.
Themes
philosophy
language
logic
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- legal drafting
- software naming
Key Concepts
semantic analysis
conceptual clarity
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria do you prioritize when naming?
- When is a broad definition more useful?
A Different Perspective
Over‑analysis can stall communication.
![“[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)
