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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 1240 Views
You meant postponed until further notice - 01/06/2010 10:44:30 AM 760 Views
How so? - 01/06/2010 10:56:48 AM 660 Views
The phrase "postponed indefinitely" is what I'm referring to - 01/06/2010 12:01:59 PM 612 Views
It IS indefinite though. - 01/06/2010 12:17:07 PM 759 Views
I think the point is popular use,,, - 01/06/2010 12:19:05 PM 719 Views
I'm frequently accused of prescriptivism, and don't deny it. - 01/06/2010 12:22:39 PM 748 Views
You might want to cater for your audience a bit better - 01/06/2010 05:07:28 PM 762 Views
They will do as they're told or be severely beaten111 - 01/06/2010 05:33:22 PM 639 Views
It's a phrase used in government regarding motions - 01/06/2010 08:13:42 PM 675 Views
Postponed/=canceled. - 01/06/2010 08:51:14 PM 829 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 738 Views
It's common usage; that doesn't make it correct. - 02/06/2010 05:11:17 PM 779 Views
That is quite shocking. *NM* - 01/06/2010 02:01:52 PM 405 Views
Yeah, sucks for everyone, very sorry. - 01/06/2010 02:18:52 PM 742 Views
Good luck. *NM* - 01/06/2010 04:55:32 PM 368 Views
Thanks, Amy. - 01/06/2010 05:18:01 PM 705 Views
Bummer wishes you luck and/or patience *NM* - 01/06/2010 05:59:47 PM 261 Views
Thanks, man. - 01/06/2010 06:29:19 PM 758 Views
My country is a - 01/06/2010 07:09:22 PM 645 Views
*snuggles all better* - 01/06/2010 07:47:45 PM 824 Views
*is snuggled and happy* - 01/06/2010 07:59:34 PM 728 Views
Has Norway enshrined the ECHR into domestic law? - 01/06/2010 11:10:34 PM 810 Views
I'm sorry you're having trouble with this. - 01/06/2010 10:25:07 PM 664 Views
Thanks. - 02/06/2010 01:32:06 AM 653 Views
Ah! They caught on to your dastardly plot! - 02/06/2010 01:40:15 AM 673 Views
Actually, I doubt I'll ever seek Norwegian citizenship. - 02/06/2010 03:22:53 AM 637 Views
OH DEAR!!!! - 02/06/2010 04:17:15 AM 715 Views
*hugs muchly* - 02/06/2010 04:20:56 AM 731 Views
That's terrible - 02/06/2010 11:30:27 AM 682 Views
I'm not really scared, just angry. - 02/06/2010 05:12:48 PM 708 Views
Ouch - I'm sorry to hear that. - 02/06/2010 05:36:37 PM 667 Views
Thanks, it'll work out, somehow. - 02/06/2010 05:55:51 PM 628 Views

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