The meaning of a word is the sum of its uses in various contexts from "summary" of Philosophical Investigations by Ludwig Wittgenstein
Consider the word "game." How do we define what a game is? It seems difficult to come up with a precise definition that covers all possible instances of games. We might think of games like chess, football, or solitaire, but there are also games like "find the lady" or children's games that do not fit neatly into our initial idea of what a game is. When we try to define a word like "game," we often look for common features that all games share. However, this approach may not be the most fruitful. Instead, we should consider how the word is used in various contexts. The meaning of a word is not fixed; it is fluid and depends on how the word is used in different situations. For example, when we say "pass me the game," we are likely referring to a physical object like a board game or a deck of cards. On the other hand, when we say "let's play a game," we could be referring to any activity that involves competition or amusement. In each case, the meaning of the word "game" is determined by its use in that particular context. By examining the different ways in which a word is used, we can better understand its meaning. Rather than trying to pin down a single definition that applies to all instances of a word, we should focus on how the word functions in different contexts. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of language and how words are used in everyday communication. In this way, the meaning of a word is not something that can be captured in a static definition. Instead, it is a dynamic concept that evolves as we encounter new uses of the word in different contexts. By paying attention to how words are used in various situations, we can gain a deeper understanding of language and how it shapes our understanding of the world around us.
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