[MD] God is dead.

[ian glendinning]

Peter,
Actually I usually do guess first (based on context, sound, shape,
analogy, etc) and then reach for several dictionaries, including two
or three etymological sources if possible ... then decide what it
really "means" at the moment. There is a lot to recommend the
child-like exploration I find.

My point was "a definition" is only a small static part of any meaning.

Ian
PS - If you think I made that up, look at the "One-Look" dictionary
link on my blog, and the much used Marvin Minsky quote on my
references page.

On 3/3/06, Peter Corteen <psigenics at googlemail.com> wrote:
> Hi Ian,
>
> I'll bet you will reach for a dictionary like any of us when you see a new
> word and want to know what it signifies or do you just make a guess from
> context   (which is what babies must do at first.)?
>
> Also, like Marsha, I wouldn't equate nature with "God" who is necessarily
> supernatural.
>
> Regards
>
> Peter
>
> On 03/03/06, ian glendinning <psybertron at gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Marsha, et al
> >
> > The trouble I find with dictionaries is that they contain "definitions",
> > but nothing remotely useful.
> >
> > If we ever get into book-burning they'll be first on the pyre :-)
> >
> > Ian
> >
> > On 3/2/06, MarshaV <marshalz at charter.net> wrote:
> > >
> > > Ian,
> > >
> > > Here is my dictionary's definition.  I do not like the word.  For me,
> > > it has low quality.  And I really don't want to use it, or talk about
> > it.
> > >
> > >
> > > God n. 1. the Supreme Being, the creator and ruler of the
> > > universe.  2. one of several deities, esp. a male deity, presiding
> > > over some portion of worldly affairs,  3. Christian Science. the
> > > Supreme Being considered with reference to the sum of His
> > > attributes.  4. any deified person or object.  5. (used to express
> > > disappointment.)
> > >
> > > I'm working on a painting, and that's much more exciting.
> > >
> > > Marsha
> > >
> > >
> > >
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