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The meaning of a commonly used phrase isn't a sum of the definitions of its parts. Helene Send a noteboard - 02/06/2010 09:28:29 AM
It is a common phrase that means a very specific thing. Your insistence to misuse this phrase, because you think the separate meanings of the words make it mean something else, shows a level of ignorance regarding semantics combined with a level of arrogance due placing your own interpretation above that of all others.

Additionally, the definitions that you found do not supply context and connotations. Indefinitely is used in the context of time with strong connotations of absolutes (as in something that goes on indefinitely will last forever/a every long time), whereas undefined is used in the area of concepts/definitions, or distance (when it's so far away you can't properly see it yet), and carries the meaning/connotation of vague much more strongly.

Thirdly, there is no such thing as a pure meaning of a word. A word is a human construct and means what we agree on. Look at the changes in the meaning of words like awful and terrific. Or do you insist on using awful only to mean that it inspires awe in you, and that something terrific is very scary?

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Meanwhile, the Wedding Is Postponed Indefinitely. - 01/06/2010 09:17:35 AM 1314 Views
You meant postponed until further notice - 01/06/2010 10:44:30 AM 840 Views
How so? - 01/06/2010 10:56:48 AM 739 Views
The phrase "postponed indefinitely" is what I'm referring to - 01/06/2010 12:01:59 PM 700 Views
It IS indefinite though. - 01/06/2010 12:17:07 PM 839 Views
I think the point is popular use,,, - 01/06/2010 12:19:05 PM 804 Views
I'm frequently accused of prescriptivism, and don't deny it. - 01/06/2010 12:22:39 PM 833 Views
You might want to cater for your audience a bit better - 01/06/2010 05:07:28 PM 842 Views
They will do as they're told or be severely beaten111 - 01/06/2010 05:33:22 PM 721 Views
It's a phrase used in government regarding motions - 01/06/2010 08:13:42 PM 762 Views
Postponed/=canceled. - 01/06/2010 08:51:14 PM 914 Views
The meaning of a commonly used phrase isn't a sum of the definitions of its parts. - 02/06/2010 09:28:29 AM 830 Views
It's common usage; that doesn't make it correct. - 02/06/2010 05:11:17 PM 870 Views
That is quite shocking. *NM* - 01/06/2010 02:01:52 PM 445 Views
Yeah, sucks for everyone, very sorry. - 01/06/2010 02:18:52 PM 826 Views
Good luck. *NM* - 01/06/2010 04:55:32 PM 415 Views
Thanks, Amy. - 01/06/2010 05:18:01 PM 801 Views
Bummer wishes you luck and/or patience *NM* - 01/06/2010 05:59:47 PM 302 Views
Thanks, man. - 01/06/2010 06:29:19 PM 831 Views
My country is a - 01/06/2010 07:09:22 PM 731 Views
*snuggles all better* - 01/06/2010 07:47:45 PM 894 Views
*is snuggled and happy* - 01/06/2010 07:59:34 PM 810 Views
Has Norway enshrined the ECHR into domestic law? - 01/06/2010 11:10:34 PM 892 Views
I'm sorry you're having trouble with this. - 01/06/2010 10:25:07 PM 750 Views
Thanks. - 02/06/2010 01:32:06 AM 746 Views
Ah! They caught on to your dastardly plot! - 02/06/2010 01:40:15 AM 745 Views
Actually, I doubt I'll ever seek Norwegian citizenship. - 02/06/2010 03:22:53 AM 726 Views
OH DEAR!!!! - 02/06/2010 04:17:15 AM 795 Views
*hugs muchly* - 02/06/2010 04:20:56 AM 817 Views
That's terrible - 02/06/2010 11:30:27 AM 771 Views
I'm not really scared, just angry. - 02/06/2010 05:12:48 PM 798 Views
Ouch - I'm sorry to hear that. - 02/06/2010 05:36:37 PM 770 Views
Thanks, it'll work out, somehow. - 02/06/2010 05:55:51 PM 717 Views

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