Of Ambiguity consequent on the Paucity of Words in a Language. I F what has been laid down in the foregoing chapters be just, it follows, that words perfectly synonymous occur only in different languages, and that by synonymous words in one and the same language we are to understand words akin only in signification. For synonymous words are introduced into a language for this very end to answer the increase and refinement of ideas, and to obviate that ambiguity which would otherwise arise from one and the same term standing for several different, or differently modified ideas. That ambiguity, or want of precision in the communication of ideas by words, is necessarily consequent on a scarcity of synonymous words in a language, might be collected from what has been argued in the preceding chapter respecting the end for which words, whether invented or borrowed, are introduced into a language. It may not be amiss, however, to go somewhat more fully and formally into the proof of this, and to exemplify it in a few instances.
Ideas increase with the commerce, conveniencies and intercourse of life.
The former are necessarily excited by new objects, and immediately on the first appearance. But new words to answer those ideas neither immediately occur, nor have any necessary connection with them. They may remain for some time in the mind, contemplated by the individual, and adding to his stock of knowledge. An infant is not without ideas during his incapacity of expressing them by words. Long before he attempts to form articulate sounds, he makes himself understood by signs, gestures, or by inarticulate sounds accompanying them.