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Stipulative Definition

Definition:

A stipulative definition is a type of definition that assigns a meaning to a word or phrase, often in a new or unconventional way, particularly in the context of a specific discussion or field of study.

Senses:

Sense 1:

In philosophy and logic, a stipulative definition is used to introduce a new term or to assign a meaning to an existing term for a specific purpose, which may differ from the commonly accepted usage.

Example sentence: In his essay, the author presents a stipulative definition of "consciousness" to explore the concept within the context of artificial intelligence.

Sense 2:

In linguistics, a stipulative definition is utilized to establish the meaning of a word or phrase in a particular context or language, particularly when there is no established meaning or when different meanings exist.

Example sentence: The linguist provided a stipulative definition of the indigenous word to enable better communication between the researcher and the local community.

Usages:

Usage 1:

Stipulative definitions are commonly employed in academic and scholarly discussions to provide clarity and precision in presenting new concepts or examining existing ones from a fresh perspective.

Example sentence: The article on quantum mechanics begins with a stipulative definition of "wave-particle duality" to establish a common understanding among readers.

Usage 2:

Stipulative definitions are also used in legal documents and contracts to assign specific meanings to terms to avoid ambiguity or misunderstanding.

Example sentence: The contract included a stipulative definition of "intellectual property" to ensure both parties were in agreement regarding its coverage.

For books and resources related to stipulative definitions, consider exploring the following:

• Philosophy of Language
• Logic and Critical Thinking
• Linguistics
• Legal Writing