If you could have 1 word erased from the dictionary, along with its definition, what word would it be?

Question

the word you pick gets erased from the world. No one will know what it means, or use it. Ever.

Answer 1

I don't think it makes sense to erase something like this. Because this is categorized as a philosophical question, thats how I'll answer it.



The first thing that came to mind was 'hunger'. But if hunger were to be erased, what about fullness? Without its opposite, fullness would be meaningless. Same with thirst, though this can also be seen as desire. Getting rid of it would not be practical. Maybe 'hate' would be a better idea? No, because then love would not exist- or at least it would not mean as much if it can't be the extreme opposite to something. I thought about this for a minute, and I realized that nothing can simply be 'deleted'. Maybe every idea, every word, every concept exists for some purpose, even if it appears to be negative.

Answer 2

Well... i think it seems like some word has already been erased from this world - because we can't remember how to do one simple thing - to stick together and live like a big happy family on this one planet.



Next time you may want to ask what is the word we forgot.

Answer 3

I wouldn't erase any word. Even though it would be nice to live in a world without hate or racism or violence, a world that doesn't use the n-word or call a woman's college basketball team "hos," that hatred, racism, and violence would still exist. Those terms would still exist, but they would sound the same.



All language is sacred. Most because it is beautiful. But the rest because it is part of our history and who we are. I am not proud of that language, but I have to remember those words so I know why I am not proud of it.

Answer 4

Interperate this:

Words are merely representations of an idea. Take for instance the word love. To me, it means infinite and complex compassion. To others it means cuddling on the beach.

So when I say I love you, I am assuming you know what I'm saying- however, how you interperate what i'm saying correlates directly to what connotations you have attatched to a word.



so deleting a word from the dictionary would only delete a specific connotation that is personal to me, and may not have the same connotation for everyone else.



language is purely symbols.

Answer 5

why would you erase a word?



sure, the logical answer would be to say something like "hate, racist, death, kill, etc." because these are all things that we do not want to EXIST.



but even without the paticular word, the meaning BEHIND the word would not cease the exist.



if we got rid of the word "hate" and its definition, people would still feel hate. it wouldn't just go away, and humans would probably make up another word to describe that feeling.





<3 Kasey.

Answer 6

I wouldn't erase a word :X. Language is merely existence on the surface-level and itself doesn't do much. However, arrange them in a sentence or two or three (or so on) and one has connotations attached to words in themselves. Even simply swearing to express a curse word for bad luck is defined by the situation. Words are superficial, lifeless shadows reflecting the intangible.

Answer 7

I desire I had a partner who attempted for neat and tidy. My apartment is a multitude and it bothers me plenty. Pretty so much nobody out of 4 folks cleans something. I might be the only to do it, nevertheless it simply turns out so hopeless. I can take on one project at a time I think and normally I check out. Like possibly I will have to get off of Yahoo Answers and cross blank whatever!

Answer 8

I could pick a word, but we need to know the history and evolution of language and thought. Even negative connotations.

Someone would come up with new words that destroy human relations anyway.

Answer 9

good

–adjective

1. morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious: a good man.

2. satisfactory in quality, quantity, or degree: a good teacher; good health.

3. of high quality; excellent.



It's either that or God.



god (gŏd)

–noun



1. A being conceived as the perfect, omnipotent, omniscient originator and ruler of the universe, the principal object of faith and worship in monotheistic religions.



2. A being of supernatural powers or attributes, believed in and worshiped by a people, especially a male deity thought to control some part of nature or reality.

Answer 10

That was settled long ago when somebody said " 'impossible' is a word found in a fool's dictionary "( I think it was Napoleon Bonaparte).

Answer 11

None of them. I would reserve my wish for another time, and that time would not ever come about.



In better words: "A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet."

Answer 12

god.



That word has lost its meaning over the past 2500 years. Most Humans simply don't have the concept anymore.

Answer 13

well if you are thinking of such a question you should read the book the word eater by mary amato.



and if i could pick a word, it would be...sh**

Answer 14

Hate. All kinds and forms. Nuff' said.

Answer 15

Plz do not ridicule me for saying this. N-i-g-g-e-r or any other racial slur. What is this for?



Also anyone wanna be my friend on yahoo 360?



also like trevyns answer, but no opposite of n-i-g-g-e-r

Answer 16

Spirit, because it lacks reference.

Answer 17

Axe. Because it drives me crazy when da homies say "I gots to axe you a question!"

Answer 18

Dictionary - then we'd all be confused....

Answer 19

bling bling

Answer 20

Hell, since it doesn't exist anyway.

Answer 21

Butt.



:)



LOL!!

Answer 22

Racist.