TFY/chapter 2 summary-Word Precision

Muzlifa Amani
English 75, TFY


Thinking for yourself/Chapter two summary-Word Precision

In chapter two titled Word Precision, the author discusses: the importance of a dictionary, clear word definitions, different kinds of word definitions, word boundaries, defining key ideas, word concepts, and critical reading. The author states “clear thinking depends on a clear understanding of the words we use. Word confusion leads to less consciousness, or disequilibrium, which can only be restored through word clarification.” I agree with this statement completely. Whenever I’m reading and I come across an unfamiliar word, I feel like I have to look up the word right there and then. If I don’t then it feels like I didn’t understand the writing in its entirety. Dictionaries and thesauruses are very important and should be used often and with skill in our efforts for finding the right words. Dictionary definitions are agreements society has made in regards to meanings of words. When defining a word, you set the boundaries for that word. Word boundaries show specific and general characteristics of the word, and how they are similar or different from one another. There are also scientific definitions. They are usually fixed definitions because they are technical and specific. Stipulative definitions are based on group or individual agreements. People sometimes take known concepts and make their own personal definitions for them. Connotations are the emotional weight of words. A concept is defined as “A word that organizes and abstracts a body of related experience; a general idea, a thing conceived.” The author notes to truly understand a word or concept then we should first know the word’s etymology, or the history of the word, and its origins. When defining a key idea, you are beginning with a clear definition of the term or word. Defining the term affects what is left out or ignored as well as what you include within the boundaries of the definition. Critical reading is the act of reading accurately, neutrally, not misunderstanding, and not substituting. By learning new words, understanding their definitions, and boundaries, knowing the words etymology, and reading critically, then we only heighten our ability to think clearly, write better, and communicate effectively.