definition [def-uh-nish-uhn] noun
1. the act of making definite, distinct, or clear; A definition.
2. the formal statement of the meaning or importance of a word, phrase, idiom, etc., as found in dictionaries. An online dictionary resource can give users direct and immediate access to the definition of a term.
3. the condition of being defined, distinct or clearly delineated.
Definitions state the meanings of words. If we didn’t have them, it would be difficult to reach an agreement between us when we seek to communicate. Imagine if we didn’t have specific definitions for up and down, how would we be able to give or understand instructions? A big part of the problems we have to deal with is that many don’t care much about how the words they use have been defined, what they really mean. Inevitably, it leads to various misunderstandings that can cause disparate arbitrariness, bias, chaos, discrimination, exclusion, fear, harm, intolerance, danger, omission, prejudice… and wars.
It is only when we agree on a definition that we can proceed to discuss the thing thus defined. Who hasn’t witnessed useless and hopeless debates between people endlessly arguing about topics that should have started with a definition they agreed with? How could an insightful resolution take place if both parties are based on a different idea of what they are talking about? An open ending? I guess; if they are considering ending up on a completely different side of the issue at hand. Agree to disagree? Absolutely; for not agreeing with the definition before undertaking the argument would end nowhere but in disagreement. Holding on to different definitions = standing on moving ground
However, it bothers me to see the word “fin” inside the word definition. Of course it’s there! Assigning a definition to something (an object, a person, a concept…) limits that “something” to that definition, seeking to END its taking on other meanings. Yes, definitions do constrain our experiences of “things” as we will seek to see each defined “thing” as it fits its given definition. That’s why many times resisting a definition is what feels good. That’s why sometimes we want “things” to remain undefined.
Oh yes we do. Because sometimes “something” is many “things”. Definitions are often called into question. My pencil is my most effective hair support and my most practical marker. When I find what they call shoe boxes, I see molds for making paper. My father’s hands (full of lines, textures and stories) were my favorite book. “To define is to ash”.
Perhaps what we can agree on is to rephrase the word definition into something related to the process of change. A word that had nothing to do with limiting, with rigidity… with an end. What if instead of definitions dictionaries had becomings?
“I would not define period.
Oscar Wilde said that to define is to limit and I do not want to limit myself.
I want to move as much as possible.
I want my scope to be as broad as possible and that the definitions link to reality.
I don’t want to live in a trapped reality.”
joseph kozer
