Single Idea 4137

[catalogued under 19. Language / A. Nature of Meaning / 6. Meaning as Use]

Full Idea

For a large class of cases - though not for all - the meaning of a word is its use in the language.

Gist of Idea

In the majority of cases the meaning of a word is its use in the language

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Philosophical Investigations [1952], §043)

Book Reference

Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Philosophical Investigations', ed/tr. Anscombe,E. [Blackwell 1972], p.20


A Reaction

Defended by Paul Horwich, but I don't like this. If "swordfish" is a password, its meaning and its use are miles apart. Meaning connects to reality, but use doesn't.