Semantics:  Own/Share/Steward

18 July 2013

Semantics is the study of meaning.  Relationships between words, phrases, signs and symbols ultimately denote the meaning.

Last week, the President of our HOA Board and I discussed the semantics of an agreement versus a contract in regard to our property management company.  To me, an agreement is different from a binding contract.

But, that got me thinking about the word “owner.”  Often, people claim to be the “owner” of an animal.  How can one “own” another being?  Another spirit?

Currently, I “share” my home with five four-legged friends. 

I consider myself a “steward,” someone who looks after them.

When there is disagreement over the denotative meanings of words, life can get complicated.