Definitions - #301 - # 02 – What’s “the” definition of a “definition”?

I. Unless you have tried to answer this question yourself, you will not have the appreciation and understanding of what this answer might be. Isn’t it true that if I point to the sky and remark how “green” the sky is today; and then, look at the grass and remark how “deep blue” the grass is today; that you could understand what I was referring to? You could then discuss the “green” sky with me. True, I could now identify your meaning of “green” with my usual meaning of “blue”. We could exchange. We have a “mutual” understanding of your definition of “blue and green”. It may not be efficient but it is “mutually” understandable.
We have “defined” blue and green by relating them to objects that we both can observe. We have “sort of defined the words” mutually. We both understand the terms in future exchanges. But, if I had not recognized the relationship with the objects of sky and grass, I wouldn’t have a clue to what you were referring!!! How about Republican, Democrat, free society, American…get what I’m getting at?

II. A “label” is no substitute for understanding.
Because you call “it” something, because you “name” it something; does NOT add to my understanding. It remains just a word. There is no “definition!

III. “Volume” is no substitute for understanding.
Because you say it “louder” does NOT increase my understanding!

IV. “Repetition” is no substitute for understanding.
Because you say it over and over again does NOT increase my understanding

V. Is there a successful alternative to “definition”?
Now do you see what happens if you don’t know the “definition of a definition”!! If you don’t know what it is; how are you going to have a “mutually understood” exchange with me. What we now have is “oral static”!!!

My definition of “oral static” is…..

“The proper placement of, proper English words, in a proper sentence that “means nothing!!!” …It’s just noise! …. It’s just “static”!!! … It’s just “oral static”!!

How often have you engaged in an exchange of “oral static”? Neither party is interested in finding out what the other party meant when they said “………..”

Neither party is trained, or educated, or motivated to try to first find out what the other party means. But as night follows day, each party will have an answer or an opinion of what “each thought the other meant!!!” If that isn’t an exchange of “oral static” I don’t know what is!! What’s the use? What is gained? There is no “mutual understanding”! It’s just noise!!

Yet people get angry. People get disgusted, frustrated, loud, etc. over something that neither party has tried to understand. …..They just stay there and yell at each other! … Leave in a huff! … All because people haven’t thought about the possibility of “first” trying to understand!


Talk about “conflict resolution”!!! How is that possible without “first” realizing that an effort must “first” be made to establish a “mutual definition” of what you’re talking about. Chances are that in a “mutual” pursuit of “mutual understanding” there will be little or no conflict.

So what do I think is the “definition of a definition”? ……..

My definition of “definition” is …

The word “Definition” is the name given to a “process” by which things are separated into ever smaller parts.
A rock is harder than snow, but softer than a diamond. A rock is heavier than a feather. A rock is usually rougher than silk. A rock can be almost as rough as barbed wire. Etc., etc. …..
By relating to things that we “both” are aware of, we engage in a “process” of breaking the word down into ever smaller distinctions. This can also be applied to “an idea”, to an opinion”. Before you can answer , you must first “define”.
“Is there a successful alternative”?

There is NO need to speak at each other, only with each other!
There is no need to yell (volume), no need to “repeat”, no need to “label” something (as though the “label” increases understanding).
No need to do anything “at” each other!! … only “with” each other!!

This could help to “define” the word “mutual” and “understanding”.

Without these thoughts, how can you have a “mutual exchange” that is meaningful, constructive, thought provoking? How can you have a “conflict resolution”? How can you enjoy the mutual exchange of thoughts and feelings? How can you truly enjoy your conversations with others?


So how important is the “definition of a definition”???