Is a definition always open to interpretation?

Question

Is it not merely an agreed upon "meaning"?

Answer 1

As Bill Clinton said, that depends on what the meaning of "is" is. I agree that a definition is an agreed upon meaning. But it also seems clear that all things are open to interpretation. "Meaning" itself is interpreted as different things by different people. For some, "meanings" are intractable. For others they are fluid. My life experiences have led me to conclude that all things are fluid. So, for me, definitions are as open to interpretation as anything else. And history has shown us that, like everything else, definitions change. We just hang on to them for a while to make some sense out of life.

Answer 2

it can be. a definition in an original context is what is considered to be a general meaning of a word or phrase. the 'norm'. but yes, i agree that definition is not by any means fixed. definition and meaning are almost the same thing, but definition sounds more intellectual. and when i meant by definition not being fixed, i am referring to ferdinand de saussure and the concept of semiotics where everything- be it living or not, word or image, object, person or animal not just has meaning attached but in that the animal or whatever signifies numerous meanings. this is also known as polysemic. likewise, take a rose: it is red and attractive and a type of flower but it also connotes passion, romance, love etc. so yes, i agree that a definition can always be open for it to be interpreted and read in other ways

Answer 3

My opinion is that everything is open to interpretation. Even different dictionaries of the same language (English, at least) don't have exactly the same definitions for a word. Many are the same but some are not. Even so you must perceive a definition and perception is interpretation.

Answer 4

Some definitions are subjective and open to interpretation, these types of words tend to denote intangible subject matter such as "love"
But most words have a definition attributed to them that are not open to interpretation this is because they concern tangible matter and are based on fact.
Yet you could say all words have an open interpretation because the definition itself has been based on an individuals perception.
But for tangible subject mattter you may be considered bonkers to argue that a table is not a table. We all know what we define a table as for example.
This is because over civilisation we have come to define things that are fact and things considered as real. This is the assumption that all definitions are based on.

Answer 5

Definition in mathematics and science therefore, is an basic fact that you don't have to prove. If different interpretations are possible, then the definition is not valid. By definition, you can draw only one line between two points.

Term "definition" is often improperly used. "Meaning" is an agreement between parties, therefore disputable by others, "definition" states a fact that is not provable.

Answer 6

Interpretation is always going to be there due to opinions and thoughts.But common sense has the majority of society agree on certain definitions of things.

Answer 7

It can mean to analyze and define. We all have our prospectives on issues which means that a definition is definitely open to all kinds of interpretation.

Answer 8

It is not open to interpretation. It means what it means.

Answer 9

Sure. It depends on how you manipulate the word to make it's meaning. The more specific you get, the less room there is to debate the meaning.

Answer 10

indeed it is, we all "agree" on soem form of meaning of a term odtn we? if tno we would have to define every single word we use to every single person and it would take an infinite amoutn of time to define soemthing like 'see jane run" what do you mean by see?, by run whos jane? which jane, where did she run who saw her etc, you get the point.