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One example of right/wrong I was talking about was appropriateness of using a particular English phrase in business communication. The person criticised someone

One example of right/wrong I was talking about was appropriateness of using a particular English phrase in business communication. The person criticised someone for using it when the usage was completely in line with the dictionary, but conflicted with their understanding of the direct implied meaning of the phrase. Like... It's in a freaking dictionary. (All L2 English speakers)

jsmith45 4y ago
Depending on the word, there may be very good reason to push back. For example, many people do push back against the definition of the word "literally" that means "figuratively" (e.g. Stoner: "I'm so high right now I'm literally in space."), because if that definition becomes common enough it impedes communication where the word literally is intended to be literal. I'm not sure what word your are referencing, and if there is any good reason for such pushback in this circumstance.
- bawolff 4y ago
  Offtopic, but i never understood why people seem to think that what the dictionary definition of the word "literally" is the part that determines whether or not it is ok to use it figuratively. Every other word is allowed to be used figuratively, and it has nothing to do with its definition.
  - jsmith45 4y ago
    Plenty of people do use it figuratively. But then one of the main uses of the word is to be clear that you are not talking figuratively. If it is widely deemed acceptable to figuratively use a word whose main purpose is to clarify that you are not talking figuratively, it defeats the purpose, and leaves people with no easy way to be clear that they are being literal rather than figurative. Its not so terrible when the situation is sufficiently clear that the primary definition could not be possible, but becomes a lot more problematic when used as in intensifier in figurative statements where the literal interpretation is also possible/plausible.
kayodelycaon 4y ago
> It's in a freaking dictionary. It is, but you're appealing an authority that isn't seen as authoritative. Dictionaries are factual and lack the social context that can completely change the meaning of the word. Business communication has its own jargon that can often be nuanced and sometimes indirect. For example: "Forecast" is an expected due date that may change due to circumstances. "Estimate" is how long something will take, regardless of circumstances. When possible, you want to use the word forecast for longer-term projects (especially one spanning multiple quarters) and but use estimate for shorter term projects. Effective communication is a pain in the ass.
bawolff 4y ago
There's more to whether a word is appropriate than its dictionary definition. It could be the wrong level of formality. It could have innapropriate connotations. It could have subject-matter specific meanings that aren't included in a general purpose dictionary.

jsmith45 4y ago

Depending on the word, there may be very good reason to push back. For example, many people do push back against the definition of the word "literally" that means "figuratively" (e.g. Stoner: "I'm so high right now I'm literally in space."), because if that definition becomes common enough it impedes communication where the word literally is intended to be literal. I'm not sure what word your are referencing, and if there is any good reason for such pushback in this circumstance.

bawolff 4y ago
Offtopic, but i never understood why people seem to think that what the dictionary definition of the word "literally" is the part that determines whether or not it is ok to use it figuratively. Every other word is allowed to be used figuratively, and it has nothing to do with its definition.
- jsmith45 4y ago
  Plenty of people do use it figuratively. But then one of the main uses of the word is to be clear that you are not talking figuratively. If it is widely deemed acceptable to figuratively use a word whose main purpose is to clarify that you are not talking figuratively, it defeats the purpose, and leaves people with no easy way to be clear that they are being literal rather than figurative. Its not so terrible when the situation is sufficiently clear that the primary definition could not be possible, but becomes a lot more problematic when used as in intensifier in figurative statements where the literal interpretation is also possible/plausible.

kayodelycaon 4y ago

> It's in a freaking dictionary. It is, but you're appealing an authority that isn't seen as authoritative. Dictionaries are factual and lack the social context that can completely change the meaning of the word. Business communication has its own jargon that can often be nuanced and sometimes indirect. For example: "Forecast" is an expected due date that may change due to circumstances. "Estimate" is how long something will take, regardless of circumstances. When possible, you want to use the word forecast for longer-term projects (especially one spanning multiple quarters) and but use estimate for shorter term projects. Effective communication is a pain in the ass.

bawolff 4y ago

There's more to whether a word is appropriate than its dictionary definition. It could be the wrong level of formality. It could have innapropriate connotations. It could have subject-matter specific meanings that aren't included in a general purpose dictionary.