Wikipedia:By definition

Could a fallen tree be what you need to reach the other side of a dispute?

If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?

The answer depends upon which definition of the word sound you're using. A tree that falls in the forest always creates sound waves but only creates sound perception if someone is around to hear it. Both of these different things – the vibration and the perception – are correctly called "sounds".

If you are stuck in a dispute in which editors are using the same term to mean different things, it may be helpful to substitute a synonym or short description instead. For example:

• Stop talking about whether it's "notable", and start talking about whether it qualifies for a separate, stand-alone article.
• Stop talking about whether it's "neutral", and start talking about whether we are fairly representing all the significant viewpoints.
• Stop talking about whether there is "consensus", and start talking about whether editors have reached an agreement.

See also

• Equivocation, a logical fallacy involving two different things that are given the same name