Look up the definition of a word in the dictionary.
Then look up the definition of each of the words in that definition.
Iterate.
Given that there are a finite number of words in the dictionary, the process will eventually lead to repetition.
If one's goal were to understand a word, one might suppose that one must first understand the words in its definition. But this process is circular.
There must, therefore, be a way of understanding a word that is not given by providing its definition.
Now this seems quite obvious; and yet so many begin their discussion with "let's first define our terms". — Banno
Yes, I’ve been delving into Kant... — Possibility
DO you think such an agreement needs to be explicit? — Banno
strength or energy as an attribute of physical action or movement.
"he was thrown backwards by the force of the explosion"
Similar:
strength
power
energy
might
potency
vigour
muscle
stamina
effort
exertion
impact
pressure
weight
impetus
punch
Opposite:
weakness
2.
coercion or compulsion, especially with the use or threat of violence.
"they ruled by law and not by force"
Similar:
coercion
compulsion
constraint
duress
oppression
enforcement
harassment
intimidation
threats
pressure
pressurization
influence
violence
force majeure
arm-twisting
badassery
3.
mental or moral strength or power.
"the force of popular opinion"
Similar:
intensity
feeling
passion
vigour
vigorousness
vehemence
drive
fierceness
vividness
impact
pizzazz
oomph
zing
zip
zap
punch
Opposite:
shallowness
4.
an organized body of military personnel or police.
"a British peacekeeping force"
Similar:
body
body of people
group
outfit
party
team
corps
detachment
unit
squad
squadron
company
battalion
division
patrol
regiment
army
cohort
bunch
verb
verb: force; 3rd person present: forces; past tense: forced; past participle: forced; gerund or present participle: forcing
1.
make a way through or into by physical strength; break open by force.
"the back door of the bank was forced"
Similar:
break open
force open
burst open
prise open
kick in
knock down
blast
crack
2.
make (someone) do something against their will.
"she was forced into early retirement"
Similar:
compel
coerce
make
constrain
oblige
impel
drive — google
In physics, a force is any interaction that, when unopposed, will change the motion of an object. A force can cause an object with mass to change its velocity, i.e., to accelerate. Force can also be described intuitively as a push or a pull. A force has both magnitude and direction, making it a vector quantity. — wiki
To a technician, every word is a technical term, but to a philosopher, every word it a gateway to a universe. — unenlightened
There must, therefore, be a way of understanding a word that is not given by providing its definition.
Now this seems quite obvious; and yet so many begin their discussion with "let's first define our terms". — Banno
Seriously. — apokrisis
I heard that one before somewhere. — unenlightened
Nonsense is important. — Banno
Pointing is a gross oversimplification. But you know that. — Banno
Get involved in philosophical discussions about knowledge, truth, language, consciousness, science, politics, religion, logic and mathematics, art, history, and lots more. No ads, no clutter, and very little agreement — just fascinating conversations.