meaning as use

"Meaning as use" refers to the idea that the meaning of a word or phrase comes from how it is used in everyday language, rather than from a fixed definition. This concept, popularized by philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, suggests that understanding a word involves looking at the contexts in which it occurs and the functions it serves in communication. Essentially, the way we apply language in various situations shapes its meaning, emphasizing the flexible and dynamic nature of words in conveying thoughts and emotions.