Is it correct for an author to decide the level of restriction of a words definition?

Question

For example the word "religion" is [defined](http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/religion) as : 1. The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods And also: 1.1 A particular system of faith and worship 1.2 A pursuit or interest followed with great devotion The latter definitions seem to be broader. So a 'religion' that does not worship a super human controlling power (1), does not match the first definition, but does the others (1.1 & 1.2). Also, a 'religion' that matches the definition in 1.2, may not match the definition in 1.1. If the definitions are independent, then the meaning of the word is dependent on the authors intent and context. However, if the meanings are dependent then any of the definitions being satisfied would classify something as a religion. For example, is it incorrect for an author to say the Buddhism is not a religion, clarifying that the definition (1) is being used? Is something a religion only if it meets i) all of the definitions, ii) one of the definitions (chosen by the author) or iii) at least 1 one of the definitions (chosen by the author). Is it correct for an author to decide the level of restriction of a words definition?

Answer 1

This is a really great question!

Rules in writing are often broken--especially depending on genre. I would say that similarly, the answer to this question depends on the type of writing the term/definition is used in.

For example, in an academic or formal piece of writing I would make the assumption that readers would each have their own, slightly varying, definitions of the term. I don't know if the reader defines 'religion' using 1.1 or 1.2. And if it's important for my argument that the reader uses 1.1, I will want to make that explicit. I would cite which definition I am using, so that my audience is on the same page as I am. I don't want the efficacy of my argument to be obscured by a confusion about definitions.

That being said, as a creative writer I have a different answer. In poetry, independent definitions can add varying levels of complexity and meaning. If I am reading a poem and interpret 'religion' in 1.1's terms, I may get one meaning out of it. If I interpret 'religion' in regard to 1.2, I may read the poem completely differently. In literary analysis, the ambiguity in a definition can lead to some very interesting discussions. And as a writer, I can use that ambiguity to my advantage. How might a reader interpret the poem differently based on the different possible ways of defining my terms? How can I use that to make my piece more impactful?

So in short, you decide as the author. Take ownership of the words your use, and use them to your advantage. Think about how definitions could affect your piece of writing, and decide how to use the definitions based upon that. You're the author; you have the authority to decide the levels of restriction in your definitions. I hope that's helpful!