Quote:
Originally Posted by GrantDawg
This is where we can get into a greater debate on definitions. Definition by whom? The definition of words can change based on the subject matter at hand and the way in which writer/speaker uses the word. Even dictionary definitions change based on the dictionary subject matter. The Oxford-English dictionary is generally the authority on English words, but can have a different definition than a law dictionary, a religious dictionary, a technical/IT dictionary, a slang dictionary or a dictionary focused on regional common usage of a word.
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Sure, all of that is valid. If you need a legal definition, go to a law dictionary, same for medical or psychiatry term etc.
If you need a layman's definition, I'd say wikipedia for a "mature, lots of edits" term/topic is probably best. Need a quick definition, go to any of the establish dictionaries. And as always, be prepared to defend or adjust as needed.
If you don't use a dictionary when disagreeing on what you believe is completely wrong use of a term, what are you going to do?
Nobody: Cereal is a soup
Edward: No, it's not
Nobody: Yes, it is. My mama says it is
Edward: No, it's not, your mama is wrong
Nobody: My mama isn't wrong, you're a ...
vs
Nobody: Cereal is a soup
Edward: No, it's not
Nobody: Yes, it is. My mama says it is
Edward: No, it's not, here's the wiki definition. If you read somewhere that cereal is a soup, provide the link, I'd like to read the rationale