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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?

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Meanwhile, the Wedding Is Postponed Indefinitely. - 01/06/2010 09:17:35 AM 1215 Views
You meant postponed until further notice - 01/06/2010 10:44:30 AM 734 Views
How so? - 01/06/2010 10:56:48 AM 637 Views
The phrase "postponed indefinitely" is what I'm referring to - 01/06/2010 12:01:59 PM 593 Views
It IS indefinite though. - 01/06/2010 12:17:07 PM 741 Views
I think the point is popular use,,, - 01/06/2010 12:19:05 PM 694 Views
I'm frequently accused of prescriptivism, and don't deny it. - 01/06/2010 12:22:39 PM 724 Views
You might want to cater for your audience a bit better - 01/06/2010 05:07:28 PM 741 Views
They will do as they're told or be severely beaten111 - 01/06/2010 05:33:22 PM 613 Views
It's a phrase used in government regarding motions - 01/06/2010 08:13:42 PM 653 Views
Postponed/=canceled. - 01/06/2010 08:51:14 PM 808 Views
The meaning of a commonly used phrase isn't a sum of the definitions of its parts. - 02/06/2010 09:28:29 AM 713 Views
It's common usage; that doesn't make it correct. - 02/06/2010 05:11:17 PM 758 Views
That is quite shocking. *NM* - 01/06/2010 02:01:52 PM 397 Views
Yeah, sucks for everyone, very sorry. - 01/06/2010 02:18:52 PM 720 Views
Good luck. *NM* - 01/06/2010 04:55:32 PM 358 Views
Thanks, Amy. - 01/06/2010 05:18:01 PM 687 Views
Bummer wishes you luck and/or patience *NM* - 01/06/2010 05:59:47 PM 253 Views
Thanks, man. - 01/06/2010 06:29:19 PM 738 Views
My country is a - 01/06/2010 07:09:22 PM 619 Views
*snuggles all better* - 01/06/2010 07:47:45 PM 800 Views
*is snuggled and happy* - 01/06/2010 07:59:34 PM 712 Views
Has Norway enshrined the ECHR into domestic law? - 01/06/2010 11:10:34 PM 788 Views
I'm sorry you're having trouble with this. - 01/06/2010 10:25:07 PM 641 Views
Thanks. - 02/06/2010 01:32:06 AM 627 Views
Ah! They caught on to your dastardly plot! - 02/06/2010 01:40:15 AM 649 Views
Actually, I doubt I'll ever seek Norwegian citizenship. - 02/06/2010 03:22:53 AM 612 Views
OH DEAR!!!! - 02/06/2010 04:17:15 AM 675 Views
*hugs muchly* - 02/06/2010 04:20:56 AM 706 Views
That's terrible - 02/06/2010 11:30:27 AM 663 Views
I'm not really scared, just angry. - 02/06/2010 05:12:48 PM 690 Views
Ouch - I'm sorry to hear that. - 02/06/2010 05:36:37 PM 647 Views
Thanks, it'll work out, somehow. - 02/06/2010 05:55:51 PM 606 Views

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