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Divorced Quote by Willard Van Orman Quine

“Meaning is what essence becomes when it is divorced from the object of reference and wedded to the word.” quote by Willard Van Orman Quine
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“Meaning is what essence becomes when it is divorced from the object of reference and wedded to the word.”

Willard Van Orman Quine

About This Quote

Source Book: Word and Object, Willard V. Quine, 1960

Meaning arises when the essence of something is detached from its actual referent and attached to linguistic representation.

In simple terms: Essence linked to words, not objects.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how language shapes perception.

Themes

philosophy language semantics

Mood

introspective analytical

Type

philosophical theoretical

When to use this quote

  • academic writing
  • critical analysis
  • philosophical debate

Key Concepts

referentialism semantic theory linguistic constructivism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does language influence what we consider real?
  • Can we ever fully separate meaning from its referent?
A Different Perspective

Language can mislead if detached from reality.

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