Previously known for its six syllables of sweetness and light, reconciliation has become the political fighting word of the year.
William SafireRead
At a certain point, what people mean when they use a word becomes its meaning.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Words gain meaning through societal usage rather than their original definitions.
This quote by William Safire emphasizes the concept that language and meaning are dynamic. Over time, the way a community uses a word can redefine its significance, highlighting the evolving nature of communication and the influence of collective understanding on the words we choose to express our thoughts.
Themes
LanguageMeaningWordsCommunicationSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on semantics, one might reference this quote to illustrate the fluidity of language.
More from William Safire
All quotes βDangling punch lines to forgotten stories remain in the language like the smile of the Cheshire cat.
William SafireRead
Never assume the obvious is true.
William SafireRead
Stop worrying about the 'dumbing down' of our language by bloggers, tweeters, cableheads and MSM thumbsuckers engaged in a 'race to the bottom' of the page by little minds confined to little words.
William SafireRead
Is sloppiness in speech caused by ignorance or apathy? I don't know and I don't care.
William SafireRead
Sometimes I know the meaning of a word but am tired of it and feel the need for an unfamiliar, especially precise or poetic term, perhaps one with a nuance that flatters my readership's exquisite sensitivity.
William SafireRead
Similar quotes
When all the details fit in perfectly, something is probably wrong with the story.
Charles BaxterRead
If I have any worth, it is to live my life for God.
Saint PatrickRead
Life's meaning has always eluded me and I guess always will. But I love it just the same.
E. B. WhiteRead
No social system will bring us happiness, health and prosperity unless it is inspired by something greater than materialism.
Clement AttleeRead
I had come to Yugoslavia to see what history meant in flesh and blood.
Rebecca WestRead
From the perspective of mere representation, the external world always remains only a phenomenon.
Wilhelm DiltheyRead