---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To define an expression is, paradoxically…"
description: "\"To define an expression is, paradoxically speaking, to explain how to get along without it. To define is to eliminate.\" — Willard Van Orman Quine"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/552/willard-van-orman-quine-10137_expression_to-define-an-expression-is-paradoxically_1702752.jpg"
---

#  To define an expression is, paradoxically speaking, to…

![“To define an expression is, paradoxically speaking, to explain how to get along without it. To define is to eliminate.” quote by Willard Van Orman Quine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/552/willard-van-orman-quine-10137_expression_to-define-an-expression-is-paradoxically_1702752.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/552/willard-van-orman-quine-10137_expression_to-define-an-expression-is-paradoxically_1702752.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/552/willard-van-orman-quine-10137_expression_to-define-an-expression-is-paradoxically_1702752.jpg)

> “To define an expression is, paradoxically speaking, to explain how to get along without it. To define is to eliminate.”

[Willard Van Orman Quine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/willard-van-orman-quine/)

## About This Quote

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

Defining a concept paradoxically removes its necessity, as definition eliminates the need for the expression itself.

**In simple terms:** Defining something can make it unnecessary.

Key Takeaway

Question whether definitions limit understanding.

Themes

philosophy language logic semantics

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

philosophical inquisitive

When to use this quote

- academic discourse
- teaching
- writing

Key Concepts

definition paradox meaning theory analytic philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

- Can a definition ever fully capture a concept?
- Does defining limit creative thought?

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[Define Eliminate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/define-eliminate-1165881/) [Define Expression](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/define-expression-1165878/) [Explain Define](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/explain-define-1165880/) [Expression](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/expression/) [Expression Paradoxically](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/expression-paradoxically-1165879/)

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