---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Since there is no difference of meaning…"
description: "\"“Since there is no difference of meaning between round, and a round object, it is only custom which prescribes that on any given occasion one shall be ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/00d/john-stuart-mill-477_purpose_since-there-is-no-difference-of-meaning_1459760.png"
---

#  Since there is no difference of meaning between round, and…

![“Since there is no difference of meaning between round, and a round object, it is only custom which prescribes that on any given occasion one shall be used, and not the other. We shall, therefore, without scruple, speak of adjectives as names, whether in their own right, or as representative of the…” quote by John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/00d/john-stuart-mill-477_purpose_since-there-is-no-difference-of-meaning_1459760.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/00d/john-stuart-mill-477_purpose_since-there-is-no-difference-of-meaning_1459760.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/00d/john-stuart-mill-477_purpose_since-there-is-no-difference-of-meaning_1459760.png)

> ““Since there is no difference of meaning between round, and a round object, it is only custom which prescribes that on any given occasion one shall be used, and not the other. We shall, therefore, without scruple, speak of adjectives as names, whether in their own right, or as representative of the more circuitous forms of expression above exemplified.””

[John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-stuart-mill/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Language conventions dictate word choice even when meanings coincide, showing that usage, not logic, often governs speech.

**In simple terms:** Custom decides word use when meanings match.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and question arbitrary linguistic rules.

Themes

language convention semantics philosophy

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

- writing
- public speaking
- teaching
- editing

Key Concepts

linguistic relativity semantic equivalence

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you choose words when synonyms exist?
- When does tradition limit expression?

A Different Perspective

Customs may hinder clarity if not examined.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Adjectives Names](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adjectives-names-5270128/) [Meaning Round](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/meaning-round-5270126/) [Purpose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/purpose/) [Round](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/round/) [Round Object](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/round-object-5270127/) [Round Round](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/round-round-262418/)

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