“There is no greater impediment to the advancement of knowledge than the ambiguity of words”
— Thomas Reid
Simplified Meaning:
When words are unclear or have different meanings, it becomes hard for people to understand each other and share ideas. Imagine trying to learn how to cook from a recipe that uses confusing terms and measurements; you might end up making mistakes or not learning anything useful. This is similar in education or when discussing new inventions—if the words used are ambiguous, it slows down progress because people spend more time figuring out what those words mean instead of actually learning or creating something new. For example, in science, if researchers use vague terms, it can lead to misunderstandings and slow down discoveries. Clear and precise language helps everyone understand better, work together, and make new advancements faster. To apply this to daily life, always try to communicate clearly and use specific words so that others know exactly what you mean.