definiste

Definiste is a rarely used term that may appear in French-language discussions to denote a supporter of definism or definitionalism. Because the term is not standardized, its exact scope varies by author; it is sometimes used to describe someone who holds that a term’s meaning or its category is determined primarily by explicit definitions, rather than by use, context, or empirical inquiry.

In philosophy of language, a definiste might argue that meanings are fixed by stipulative or conventional definitions, and that semantic debates can be resolved by clarifying those definitions. In ontology or taxonomy, a definiste may advocate strict definitional criteria for class membership, prioritizing fixed criteria over flexible or pragmatic classifications. The label can thus be applied across distinct domains where definitions are treated as authoritative for determining concepts and extensions.

The term is not common in mainstream journals and is often encountered as a descriptive label in particular texts or debates. Consequently, its precise entailments depend on the author’s own use of definism or definitionalism. Critics of definiste positions typically argue that language and thought are shaped by use, context, and social practice, and that overemphasizing definitions can obscure dynamic meanings and the complexities of natural language.

See also definism, definitionalism, definition theory. Note that the term definiste may function more as a contextual descriptor than as a widely recognized philosophical stance, so readers should consult the specific source for a given use to understand its exact meaning.