Dictionaries Quote by Kory Stamper
“I think when dictionaries define words, there's a sort of hair-splitting that to most people doesn't make any sense, which is we're not describing what a thing is.”
About This Quote
Source Lexicography Workshop, 2018
Dictionaries often split hairs, obscuring practical meanings of words
In simple terms: Hair‑splitting definitions hinder understanding
Key Takeaway
Prioritize clear, functional definitions
Themes
language
communication
semantics
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- teaching
- writing
- editing
- public speaking
Key Concepts
Pragmatics
lexicography
Questions to Reflect On
- When does precision become counterproductive?
- How can we balance accuracy with accessibility?
A Different Perspective
Over‑precision can alienate non‑specialists
