Multi-ordinality

Multi-ordinality is a concept and methodology for dealing with levels of abstraction. A word is multiordinal when, without any change in its dictionary meaning, it is used in the same context to refer to different orders of abstraction. The meaning of a multiordinal word is therefore determined by the level of abstraction at which it is used. Misunderstanding and misuse of the multiordinal characteristics of some words impedes communication and comprehension and may indicate personality maladjustment.