[WikiEN-l] Using a dictionary considered helpful

Fri Jan 16 13:19:07 UTC 2004

I don't regard a dictionary as holy writ, and I don't have any illusions that 
using one will settle these disputes, but I really do wish, when conducting 
arguments--particularly in writing via email--that contenders would resort 
more to the dictionary, at least as a starting point, for defining terms.

For example:

Terrorism: "The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a 
person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of 
intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or 
political reasons."

Terrorist: "One that engages in acts or an act of terrorism."

Not an answer, not unambiguous, not unchallengable, but a starting point.