N-Defining Word Study Guide

Quiz

  1. According to the first source, what two actions do we seem to do when we forget the meanings of words?

    We seem to sing and then forget, and we also seem to move along in life "the way we do," which shows a lack of awareness of our actions.

  2. The first source says, "what we know is what we can make of the equation." In this statement, what does "equation" refer to?

    In this context, "equation" refers to a challenge or puzzle that one needs to solve. It suggests the ability to find solutions is dependent upon one's understanding of the problem.

  3. According to the first source, what does it mean to "live a limited life"?

    To live a limited life is to consider as many words as you have, and create an idea, or definition with them, that is for you, in your meaning, with your understanding, so that you may define your meaning and how you choose to live.

  4. What does the first source mean when it states, “A word is only an empty-themed being?”

    This suggests that while words may seem empty or meaningless on the surface, they are actually capable of being filled with meaning. The absence of inherent meaning allows words to be used in various ways to express different concepts, feelings, and truths.

  5. According to the second source, what does a word have the power to do?

    According to the second source, a word has the power to create and define, be a theme, a creation, a message, and express truth.

  6. What is one way the second source suggests that words are not always simple?

    The second source suggests that words are not always simple because they can have layers of meaning and represent multiple ideas.

  7. What is the spiritual dimension associated with "word," according to the second source?

    The spiritual dimension associated with "word" suggests that a word can be inspired or given by a higher power and is connected to a divine force.

  8. According to the second source, how should words be treated in order to be understood?

    According to the second source, words should be "known, read, and written" in order to be understood. This suggests the importance of interaction with words to grasp their meaning.

  9. What is suggested by the second source when it says that words are not "empty"?

    It is suggested that a word carries meaning and significance, and even if a word may seem empty, it is not.

  10. According to the second source, what is one way words are part of something bigger?

    The second source says that words are part of the communication and relationship with the creator, which puts words in a context of spirituality and faith.

Answer Key

  1. We seem to sing and then forget, and we also seem to move along in life "the way we do," which shows a lack of awareness of our actions.

  2. In this context, "equation" refers to a challenge or puzzle that one needs to solve. It suggests the ability to find solutions is dependent upon one's understanding of the problem.

  3. To live a limited life is to consider as many words as you have, and create an idea, or definition with them, that is for you, in your meaning, with your understanding, so that you may define your meaning and how you choose to live.

  4. This suggests that while words may seem empty or meaningless on the surface, they are actually capable of being filled with meaning. The absence of inherent meaning allows words to be used in various ways to express different concepts, feelings, and truths.

  5. According to the second source, a word has the power to create and define, be a theme, a creation, a message, and express truth.

  6. The second source suggests that words are not always simple because they can have layers of meaning and represent multiple ideas.

  7. The spiritual dimension associated with "word" suggests that a word can be inspired or given by a higher power and is connected to a divine force.

  8. According to the second source, words should be "known, read, and written" in order to be understood. This suggests the importance of interaction with words to grasp their meaning.

  9. It is suggested that a word carries meaning and significance, and even if a word may seem empty, it is not.

  10. The second source says that words are part of the communication and relationship with the creator, which puts words in a context of spirituality and faith.

Essay Questions

  1. Analyze the concept of "words as living" presented in the source material. Explore how this idea can be understood both in a literal and a metaphorical sense, and how it impacts our interaction with language.

  2. Compare and contrast the various ways "word" is defined throughout both sources, highlighting both the similarities and the key differences. How does the interplay of these definitions enrich your understanding of the concept of a word?

  3. The source materials suggest that words have a deep spiritual dimension. Discuss how this spiritual dimension relates to concepts such as truth, divine inspiration, and the idea of words being part of a greater whole.

  4. Discuss the idea of words as a means to understand life and existence, based on the provided source materials. How can the meanings of words both limit and expand the human experience?

  5. The first source asks the question, “do you know why we are here to do or even more so have we made a purpose for ourselves?” Using the source material, respond to this question, including the concept of our “limited life”.

Glossary of Key Terms