--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: FV: Annandale defines 'definition' as \"an…" description: "\"“FV: Annandale defines 'definition' as \"an explanation of the signification of a term.\" Yet Oxford, on the other hand, defines it as \"a statement of th..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a98/mort-w-lumsden-39980_contradiction_fv-annandale-defines-definition-as-an-ex_2821057.jpg" --- # FV: Annandale defines 'definition' as "an explanation of… ![“FV: Annandale defines 'definition' as "an explanation of the signification of a term." Yet Oxford, on the other hand, defines it as "a statement of the precise meaning of a word." A small, perhaps negligible difference you might think. And neither, would you say, is necessarily more correct than…” quote by Mort W. Lumsden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a98/mort-w-lumsden-39980_contradiction_fv-annandale-defines-definition-as-an-ex_2821057.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a98/mort-w-lumsden-39980_contradiction_fv-annandale-defines-definition-as-an-ex_2821057.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a98/mort-w-lumsden-39980_contradiction_fv-annandale-defines-definition-as-an-ex_2821057.jpg) > ““FV: Annandale defines 'definition' as "an explanation of the signification of a term." Yet Oxford, on the other hand, defines it as "a statement of the precise meaning of a word." A small, perhaps negligible difference you might think. And neither, would you say, is necessarily more correct than the other? But now look up each of the words comprising each definition, and then the definitions of those definitions, and so on. Some still may only differ slightly, while others may differ quite a lot. Yet any discrepancy, large or small, only compounds that initial difference further and further, pushing each 'definition' farther apart. How similar are they then at the end of this process...assuming it ever would end? Could we possibly even be referring to the same word by this point? And we still haven't considered what Collins here...or Gage, or Funk and Wagnalls might have to say about it. Off on enough tangents and you're eventually led completely off track. ML: Or around in circles. FV: Precisely! ML: Oxford, though, is generally considered the authority, isn't it? FV: Well, it's certainly the biggest...the most complete. But then, that truly is your vicious circle - every word defined...every word in every definition defined...around and around in an infinite loop. Truly a book that never ends. A concise or abridged dictionary may, at least, have an out... ML: I wonder, then, what the smallest possible "complete dictionary" would be? Completely self-contained, that is, with every word in every definition accounted for. How many would that be, do you suppose? Or, I guess more importantly, which ones? FV: Well, that brings to mind another problem. You know that Russell riddle about naming numbers?”” [Mort W. Lumsden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mort-w-lumsden/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The discussion highlights how definitions become circular when each term is defined by other terms, leading to infinite regress and questioning the possibility of a complete, self‑contained dictionary. **In simple terms:** Defining words using other words can create endless loops, making a perfect dictionary impossible. Key Takeaway Recognize limits of definition and seek clarity beyond circular references. Themes language philosophy semantics logic knowledge Mood thoughtful inquisitive analytical Type philosophical reflective critical When to use this quote - academic debate - lexicography - education - philosophical inquiry Key Concepts circularity infinite regress definition theory meta‑language Questions to Reflect On - Can we ever achieve a fully self‑referential dictionary? - How does circular definition affect understanding? 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And neither, would you say, is necessarily more correct than the other? But now look up each of the words comprising each definition, and then the definitions of those definitions, and so on. Some still may only differ slightly, while others may differ quite a lot. Yet any discrepancy, large or small, only compounds that initial difference further and further, pushing each 'definition' farther apart. How similar are they then at the end of this process...assuming it ever would end? Could we possibly even be referring to the same word by this point? And we still haven't considered what Collins here...or Gage, or Funk and Wagnalls might have to say about it. Off on enough tangents and you're eventually led completely off track. ML: Or around in circles. FV: Precisely! ML: Oxford, though, is generally considered the authority, isn't it? FV: Well, it's certainly the biggest...the most complete. But then, that truly is your vicious circle - every word defined...every word in every definition defined...around and around in an infinite loop. Truly a book that never ends. A concise or abridged dictionary may, at least, have an out... ML: I wonder, then, what the smallest possible \"complete dictionary\" would be? Completely self-contained, that is, with every word in every definition accounted for. How many would that be, do you suppose? Or, I guess more importantly, which ones? FV: Well, that brings to mind another problem. You know that Russell riddle about naming numbers?”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Mort W. 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