Because the third definition is the strongest plausible interpretation of the original statement (that can be found in that particular dictionary at least). [1]

Because the third definition is the strongest plausible interpretation of the original statement (that can be found in that particular dictionary at least). [1] And: selectively leaving out part of a quote that appears to (partially) contradict your thesis might be seen by some as an attempt to mislead. Best to err on the side of caution! Though -like I said- dictionaries are possibly the weakest source of definitions you can find. Dictionaries need to keep things extremely short, so they're unlikely to have much nuance. Even Encyclopedias (including Wikipedia) are more accurate and reliable, simply because they have more space to expand on a concept in detail. Books or papers are best. [1] https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html "Please respond to the strongest plausible interpretation of what someone says, not a weaker one that's easier to criticize. Assume good faith. "