“Don’t use words too big for the subject. Don’t say ‘infinitely’ when you mean ‘very’; otherwise you’ll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite.”
Image credits：Aronsyne,”Lewis, age 48″,CC BY-SA 4.0,C.S.-Lewis – C. S. Lewis – Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- November 29, 1898 – November 22, 1963
- Born in Ireland
- Writer, scholar
- Had a major influence on fantasy literature and religious thought through his many works, including the Chronicles of Narnia series and The Poetics of Christianity
Quote
“Don’t use words too big for the subject. Don’t say ‘infinitely’ when you mean ‘very’; otherwise you’ll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite.”
Explanation
In this quote, C. S. Lewis advises against the misuse of language, particularly the overuse of grandiose or exaggerated words for ordinary matters. He warns that if we use words like “infinitely” to describe something that is simply “very” large or extreme, we risk diluting the meaning of those words. This not only reduces the impact of our language, but it also leaves us with no strong, precise terms when we need to convey something truly profound or boundless—like the concept of infinity. By using language more precisely, we can ensure that our words have the appropriate weight and impact, and that we reserve the grandiose terms for things that genuinely require them.
Lewis’s insight reflects his broader belief in the power of clear, thoughtful language. As a writer, he was committed to the idea that language should be used to communicate clearly and with integrity. He often criticized the overuse of certain words in intellectual or spiritual contexts, believing that careful language was essential to avoiding confusion and misrepresentation. For Lewis, the clarity of thought and expression went hand-in-hand—if our words are precise, our ideas will be clearer as well.
In the modern context, this quote speaks to the importance of linguistic precision in an era where hyperbole and exaggerated language often dominate social media, advertising, and everyday conversations. Terms like “incredible,” “epic,” or “unbelievable” are frequently used to describe the mundane, losing their power when they are needed to convey something genuinely extraordinary. Lewis’s advice reminds us that honesty and accuracy in our language are vital to maintaining its effectiveness—whether in personal communication, writing, or public discourse. By choosing our words carefully, we can preserve their true meaning and avoid the erosion of language.
