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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 1206 Views
You meant postponed until further notice - 01/06/2010 10:44:30 AM 710 Views
How so? - 01/06/2010 10:56:48 AM 627 Views
The phrase "postponed indefinitely" is what I'm referring to - 01/06/2010 12:01:59 PM 585 Views
It IS indefinite though. - 01/06/2010 12:17:07 PM 732 Views
I think the point is popular use,,, - 01/06/2010 12:19:05 PM 685 Views
I'm frequently accused of prescriptivism, and don't deny it. - 01/06/2010 12:22:39 PM 717 Views
You might want to cater for your audience a bit better - 01/06/2010 05:07:28 PM 733 Views
They will do as they're told or be severely beaten111 - 01/06/2010 05:33:22 PM 607 Views
It's a phrase used in government regarding motions - 01/06/2010 08:13:42 PM 644 Views
Postponed/=canceled. - 01/06/2010 08:51:14 PM 799 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 704 Views
It's common usage; that doesn't make it correct. - 02/06/2010 05:11:17 PM 749 Views
That is quite shocking. *NM* - 01/06/2010 02:01:52 PM 392 Views
Yeah, sucks for everyone, very sorry. - 01/06/2010 02:18:52 PM 711 Views
Good luck. *NM* - 01/06/2010 04:55:32 PM 354 Views
Thanks, Amy. - 01/06/2010 05:18:01 PM 678 Views
Bummer wishes you luck and/or patience *NM* - 01/06/2010 05:59:47 PM 249 Views
Thanks, man. - 01/06/2010 06:29:19 PM 729 Views
My country is a - 01/06/2010 07:09:22 PM 611 Views
*snuggles all better* - 01/06/2010 07:47:45 PM 790 Views
*is snuggled and happy* - 01/06/2010 07:59:34 PM 701 Views
Has Norway enshrined the ECHR into domestic law? - 01/06/2010 11:10:34 PM 780 Views
I'm sorry you're having trouble with this. - 01/06/2010 10:25:07 PM 633 Views
Thanks. - 02/06/2010 01:32:06 AM 619 Views
Ah! They caught on to your dastardly plot! - 02/06/2010 01:40:15 AM 638 Views
Actually, I doubt I'll ever seek Norwegian citizenship. - 02/06/2010 03:22:53 AM 603 Views
OH DEAR!!!! - 02/06/2010 04:17:15 AM 662 Views
*hugs muchly* - 02/06/2010 04:20:56 AM 697 Views
That's terrible - 02/06/2010 11:30:27 AM 653 Views
I'm not really scared, just angry. - 02/06/2010 05:12:48 PM 683 Views
Ouch - I'm sorry to hear that. - 02/06/2010 05:36:37 PM 637 Views
Thanks, it'll work out, somehow. - 02/06/2010 05:55:51 PM 593 Views

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