# Word Meaning in Context: A Critical Review **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 20, 2010, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-meaning-in-context-a-critical-review/554483 "2010-09-20T23:51:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Aswan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c68b51/32.png) [@Aswan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aswan)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2010, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-meaning-in-context-a-critical-review/554483/1 "2010-09-20T23:51:57Z")
Word meaning can be vague or unclear until interpreted within a specific contextual setting. For example, “He threw up the ball” may have a different meaning depending on if you are attending a) a baseball game or b) a frat party. Today’s word is “carrion.” The question “Are you carrion?” may have a different meaning depending on if it is directed to: a) a rotting corpse b) a drug mule c) a piece of luggage This can present an ambiguous concept and context is key to understanding: many different interpretations are possible, depending on if the speaker is in an airport or in a desert or on a border. Break up into groups of three or four and discuss. ---
**Author:** ![Nunzio\_Tavulari](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Nunzio\_Tavulari](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nunzio_Tavulari)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-meaning-in-context-a-critical-review/554483/2 "2010-09-21T02:14:26Z")
The answer can only be A. if you were transporting drugs or a suitcase, you would be carrYING. An entirely different word, making the original premise invalid. The example appears flawed to me as well. Although I could accept the second usage, I don’t the first would be tolerated by anyone except a four year old.