Undefined Definition


Whatever I say and whatever I do would tend to be the two critical aspects that define who I am. Who are you, are you what you do?

By definition, the Longman active study dictionary defines definition as "having a particular quality because all things or people of the same type have it." Somewhat vague and requires clarification so let me redirect the focus unto another well trusted book; Compact Oxford Thesaurus for students. In this, definition is contrasted with words like clarity and contrast in one context and also meaning and description in another. Turning for help from another 'trusted book' now starts to look like not such of a good idea because definitions now seems to be conflicting each other. Results of this are evidential in our own global society as the public are now seemingly being mislead by the 'trusted' on what the truth really is; truth being the true definition of definition.


a) Assessment of definition number 1:
     Firstly, let me paraphrase to make the language more comprehensive. "Being classified as the same because others possess similar characteristics," again this is not my definition but my deciphering of what was quoted initially. Assuming that this is now clear to most, my imagination captures a few raised eyebrows aimed at either the breakdown of what initially seemed to be Physics in Chinese or the content of what people accept daily as the definition. Undoubtedly, someone with complete understanding of what is displayed here automatically feels mis-defined by the dictionary and would rather not use such definition to define themselves. It stereotype characteristics to stipulate one's character which lead me to wonder, is definition made from reality or is reality made from definition.

b) Assessment of definition number 2:
    CLARITY. This was one of the words used to define definition in the thesaurus. Now if we may try to have a clear look into the meaning of clarity- "the quality of being clear" okay, this is understandable but moving over to the definition given for clear we see ...."easy to understand", now this was where they lost me. If definition means clarity and clarity is clear therefore definition is clear (and this is basic mathematics), but how is the definition for definition so unclear? Now don't lose me here,

The Language of Math
If, Definition = Clarity
Then, Clarity = Clear

Therefore, Definition = Clear

The equation is mathematically correct but just as most areas in maths, when applied to real life you are left with an expression like
Meaning, what was equated could not be reproduced. But the wrong is on the pathway of the producer. Their method of reproduction was not as well thought through as this, if it had been then it is accepted for me to be cynical.
   CONTRAST; now that is just blatantly done. How can you help but look at something that is within your line of sight?! This 'synomym' coincides with the definition from the Longman dictionary as it did not vividly but evidently state that "in order for you to be defined, you will have to be compared or contrast." Is that not what you see?! Where there is normally a sentence is given in the dictionary to put a word into context, the sentence given is "there is no agreed definition for intelligence" now is this just pure signs and wonders or was it purposely done?! Because I believe that there is neither an agreed definition for definition.
   On to another definition, DESCRIPTION. To describe is to tell, either verbally or nonverbally what someone or something is like, in your own perspective. If done otherwise then you are no longer describing but quoting or attempting to quote someone else. This therefore means one can only describe from personal experiences, something that has came into contact with any your of your five senses, and a point noteworthy is, 'sense' was also use as another synonym for Definition. So in a nutshell, to define means to describe....right?! Not in all cases as in an examination where the term describe is used one is expected to give an elaborative explanation. To define a term requires you to ...to tell EXACTLY. So rightfully, my point should be justified.
   MEANING, the most commendable effort I have seen and thus I have decided to comment on it last. Of all the words, terms and definition I have seen, meaning is the most meaningful attempt I have witnessed from the 'trusted books' I have read. Your meaning depicts your true definition, your intention, your motives. Those are some of the words I was expecting behold when I first turned focus on Definition because personally one can only be defined by his inward parts (Psalms 51:6), his heart that hosts his intentions and his mind that holds his motives. Which leads us to conclude that the true definition of anyone can only be revealed by God.

"To define any man he has to be judged inside out."

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