How do I understand "the definitions of the objects mentioned in that document"?

Question

Hi,

I am confused by this sentencce.

the definitions of the objects metioned in that document.

Which noun, the definition or the object, the phase "metioned in that document" refers to.

Should it be


(the definitions of the objects) metioned in that document. describes "the definition".

or

the definitions of (the objects metioned in that document).
describes "the objects".

As an English leaner, I am confussed by the word "of" in the sentence.

Help is needed.

Answer 1

I imagine that you are referring to a legal document in which the parties have set out the objectives which they are seeking to achieve through their agreement. So, the important word here is "definition". In a legal document, it is important to set out clearly what precisely the parties are signing their names to. Definitions are given of the meaning of key words used and also the objects which they are seeking to achieve. If you don't get that right at the start, it could lead to expensive legal actions later on.

Answer 2

It really all depends on context. What type of document is it? What is the subject of the document? The text you provided is only a phrase; it isn't a full sentence. What is the full sentence? What is the sentence before 'the definitions of the objects mentioned in that document'?

It took me a while to understand your question - whether the definitions are mentioned in the document or not.

Personally, I would think that only the objects are mentioned in the document

i.e. 'The definitions of (the objects mentioned in that document)',

although it's impossible to say without further information.

Answer 3

difficult to say without seeing the context of the sentence or the reason you need to know. But I'll stab a guess at the first of your two suggestions being the one you should go for. Hope this helps.