Definition Essay

When thinking of complex words, one might consider funambulism, ectomorph,

nudiustertian, or even floccinaucinihilipilification. While they might be complex in a vocabulistic
sense, many words we find so simple can be incredibly complex in their own right. According to
author Simon Winchester, “No word in the english language is more complex than run.”
(Winchester, 2019). To create a definition that best unifies all 645 found in the oxford dictionary,
run means to put things into motion, either physically or metaphorically.

The general consensus among most english speakers is that run simply means to ,”move at a
speed faster than a walk, never having both or all the feet on the ground at the same time”(Oxford,
2021). However, we must realize how often we use the word run in other situations. For example,
“the train runs down the track” or “the fridge has been running all night.” These two examples have
completely different meanings than to move at a speed faster than walk. However, all three uses of
run involve motion or movement. Both our traditional definition and the train example both deal with
physical movements, while the third example refers to the metaphorical motion of a refrigerator
working properly. The definition, “to put things into motion”, might not apply perfectly to all cases,
however it incorporates a key element of most circumstances, therefore it is the best definition to
incorporate all meanings of such a complex word.

Some other common uses of run can be found in the following examples: “she runs for office”, “I
have to run it by my mom first”, “the drama runs through the friend group.” Like stated earlier, while
all examples use run differently, each involves motion in one way or the other. Firstly, “she runs for
office” involves motion because she is doing something and is moving towards a goal. Additionally,
in “the drama runs through the friend group”, the drama is metaphorically moving from friend to
friend. Lastly, movement is involved within “I have to run it by my mom first” because the act of
asking one's mom, is putting a plan into motion.

Before run took the spot as having the most definitions within oxford dictionary, set and put were at
the top of the list until run ran past them (hehe) (Winchester, 2019). Why did run pass them within a
span of less than a century? It is mostly likely due in part to advancements in technology. No one
was complaining about how they ran out of data in the 1930s. If this trend continues, then run will
grow even more complex as long as the english language is spoken.
Why 'Run' Is The Most Complex Word in the English Language. Mental Floss. (2019, May 17).
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/582820/run-most-complex-word-in-english-lan
guage.