"A word is not a crystal, transparent and unchanged; it is the skin of a living thought and may vary greatly in color and content according to the circumstances and time in which it is used"

This quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. speaks with the concept that language is not static, however rather is continuously changing and adjusting to the context in which it is utilized. He is recommending that words are not like crystals, which stay the very same no matter the scenario. Rather, words are like the skin of a living idea, which can vary significantly in implying depending on the circumstances and time in which it is utilized. This concept is important to think about when interacting with others, as the same word can have different meanings depending upon the context. It is also essential to keep in mind that language is constantly developing, which words can handle brand-new meanings gradually. Understanding the nuances of language is necessary to reliable communication.