Definition

"An argument against the use of personal definitions of words can be framed around the concepts of communication efficacy, shared meaning, and societal cohesion. ...

"The primary purpose of language is to facilitate clear communication between individuals. Personal definitions of words undermine this goal by distorting the shared meaning that allows people to understand one another. ...

"Standardised definitions, whether agreed upon in dictionaries or understood within a particular community, provide linguistic stability. This stability is critical for maintaining clarity across generations and cultural contexts. ...

"Shared definitions are vital for productive debate and critical thinking. ... When personal definitions are introduced, arguments become subjective and unfalsifiable, as participants are no longer addressing the same concepts.

"Language serves as a bridge between diverse individuals and communities, but if this bridge is weakened by subjective definitions, mutual understanding becomes more difficult, and divisions deepen. ...

"In fields that rely on precision and objectivity, such as law, science, and medicine, consistent definitions are essential. Personal definitions introduce ambiguity that can be dangerous. ...

"While language does evolve, and there is space for creative expression, the integrity of communication, the stability of society, and the clarity of important discourse depend on shared definitions of words."

~ Tim Harding from his post 'Against personal definitions'