So many arguments grow because of differing definitions of words or terms. (See Layne’s Law).
If you’re arguing, pause to ask and understand how the other person describes specific words or terms you’ve used.
Then describe how you see that word.
Then, pick things up from the new understanding, not the word. You might find there’s far less to argue about.
This also applies in sales conversations to avoid pushback or objections.
- Every debate is over the definition of a word. Or
- Every debate eventually degenerates into debating the definition of a word. Or
- Once a debate degenerates into debating the definition of a word, the debate is debatably over.
