• wpb@lemmy.world
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            3 days ago

            It’d be nice if you didn’t cherry pick the exact one that fits your argument, when there’s very obviously other definitions that support the person you’re arguing with. So yes, I guess I do need that.

            • rockSlayer@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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              3 days ago

              I didn’t cherry pick anything. I used the word as defined in the dictionary. When you use a word that has multiple different definitions, you select a definition for that usage. That’s how language works.

              A scientist talking about states of matter doesn’t use every possible definition, nor do they cherry pick a definition. They use 1 of multiple definitions.

              • wpb@lemmy.world
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                3 days ago

                I didn’t cherry pick anything. I used the word as defined in the dictionary.

                So you picked the exact version of the definition which supports you argument, in favor of the more appropriate definitions which are right there for you to see, which don’t support your argument. But you’re not cherry picking. If I ask you how that’s not literally cherry picking will you respond with

                Noun 2a cherry picking: the act of harvesting cherries from a cherry orchard

                • rockSlayer@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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                  2 days ago

                  Definition of the word state

                  There are 8 definitions of the noun and 2 definitions of the verb.

                  In the sentence “abolish the state”, which definition is best? I would posit 4a fits best. That is how I use the word in a political context. Based on context clues, you assumed I was using the more broad 5a.

                  Just because you’re operating under a different assumption doesn’t make it cherry picking