The meaning of a commonly used phrase isn't a sum of the definitions of its parts.
Helene Send a noteboard - 02/06/2010 09:28:29 AM
It is a common phrase that means a very specific thing. Your insistence to misuse this phrase, because you think the separate meanings of the words make it mean something else, shows a level of ignorance regarding semantics combined with a level of arrogance due placing your own interpretation above that of all others.
Additionally, the definitions that you found do not supply context and connotations. Indefinitely is used in the context of time with strong connotations of absolutes (as in something that goes on indefinitely will last forever/a every long time), whereas undefined is used in the area of concepts/definitions, or distance (when it's so far away you can't properly see it yet), and carries the meaning/connotation of vague much more strongly.
Thirdly, there is no such thing as a pure meaning of a word. A word is a human construct and means what we agree on. Look at the changes in the meaning of words like awful and terrific. Or do you insist on using awful only to mean that it inspires awe in you, and that something terrific is very scary?
Additionally, the definitions that you found do not supply context and connotations. Indefinitely is used in the context of time with strong connotations of absolutes (as in something that goes on indefinitely will last forever/a every long time), whereas undefined is used in the area of concepts/definitions, or distance (when it's so far away you can't properly see it yet), and carries the meaning/connotation of vague much more strongly.
Thirdly, there is no such thing as a pure meaning of a word. A word is a human construct and means what we agree on. Look at the changes in the meaning of words like awful and terrific. Or do you insist on using awful only to mean that it inspires awe in you, and that something terrific is very scary?
Meanwhile, the Wedding Is Postponed Indefinitely.
01/06/2010 09:17:35 AM
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You meant postponed until further notice
01/06/2010 10:44:30 AM
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How so?
01/06/2010 10:56:48 AM
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The phrase "postponed indefinitely" is what I'm referring to
01/06/2010 12:01:59 PM
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It IS indefinite though.
01/06/2010 12:17:07 PM
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I think the point is popular use,,,
01/06/2010 12:19:05 PM
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I'm frequently accused of prescriptivism, and don't deny it.
01/06/2010 12:22:39 PM
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You might want to cater for your audience a bit better
01/06/2010 05:07:28 PM
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They will do as they're told or be severely beaten111
01/06/2010 05:33:22 PM
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It's a phrase used in government regarding motions
01/06/2010 08:13:42 PM
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Postponed/=canceled.
01/06/2010 08:51:14 PM
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The meaning of a commonly used phrase isn't a sum of the definitions of its parts.
02/06/2010 09:28:29 AM
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Wow. This is the most impressive trolling I've seen in quite some time.
02/06/2010 07:42:02 PM
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No, I just have a hard time dealing with people who can't admit a simple mistake *NM*
03/06/2010 07:21:30 AM
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I must say, my first thought on reading your title was that you'd split up.
01/06/2010 11:20:45 PM
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In retrospect, I can certainly see why it would be read that way, but it's not what the words mean.
02/06/2010 01:14:20 AM
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My country is a
01/06/2010 07:09:22 PM
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One thing I learned in the USA was never to say "we met on the internet" to immigration officials.
01/06/2010 11:18:39 PM
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Well, yeah, but the alternative is to be deceptive, if not outright dishonest.
02/06/2010 01:27:17 AM
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