Ambiguous phrasal verb

Question

Why would the phrasal verb chime in have the following two definitions which are complete opposites (according to www.thefreedictionary.com)?

1. To interrupt the speech of others, especially with an unwanted opinion.

2. To join in harmoniously.

In writing, how on earth are you to know which definition is being applied (aside from greater context, which may not be available)?

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

English 1b3how on earth are you to know which definition is being applied

I'll take that as a rhetorical question since there is no way to know if context is unavailable.

CJ

English 1b3 · Answer

Why do you think the two definitions were given then? Maybe I misunderstand how words' meanings are created...

CalifJim · Answer

English 1b3Why do you think the two definitions were given then?

Because both definitions apply. Not at the same time in the same sentence, of course. Most words have multiple definitions. This is somewhat unusual, but not unique, in having rather conflicting ones.

The underlying meaning of "chime in" is "to add to (e.g., a conversation)". The addition may be positive or negative.

"I agree with everything you said," Steve chimed in enthusiastically.
"You don't have the slightest idea what you're talking about," Sam chimed in, to the horror of the crowd.

CJ

English 1b3 · Answer

CalifJimThis is somewhat unusual, but not unique, in having rather conflicting ones.

Righteo. I can accept that

And the reason I asked this is that someone wrote this phrasal verb and the greater context truly didn't make it easy to tell whether or not he/she was being rude.

Quick question, why did you say 'This is... in having rather...' as opposed to 'This is... having rather...'?

Sorry to digress like this, but at least it is still English Grammar related

CalifJim · Answer

English 1b3why did you say 'This is... in having rather...'

This is unusual in having conflicting definitions. ~

This one is unusual in that it has ... ~
This one is unusual for the reason that it has ... ~
This one is unusual because it has ...
________________

The logical connection between the ideas is less specific in

This (one) is unusual, having conflicting definitions.

which just says This one is unusual. It has conflicting definitions.

CJ

English 1b3 · Answer

CalifJimThe logical connection between the ideas is less specific in

Well said - totally understand that.

But what's not clear still is how this is correct:

CalifJimThis is unusual in having conflicting definitions.

Are you saying it is just another way of saying it along with 'in that it has,' for the reason that is has' and 'because it has'?
Maybe the problem is that the meaning of/use of 'in' here is something I'm not familiar with....

Enoon · Answer

English 1b3Why would the phrasal verb chime in have the following two definitions which are complete opposites (according to www.thefreedictionary.com)? 1. To interrupt the speech of others, especially with an unwanted opinion.2. To join in harmoniously. In writing, how on earth are you to know which definition is being applied (aside from greater context, which may not be available)?

"Chime in" does not mean "To interrupt the speech of others, especially with an unwanted opinion." There is the solution to your problem—never use "chime in" to mean that. I know the AHD says different, but I have never seen it used that way, and I don't believe anyone could understand you meant it that way. It can mean to interrupt to agree, perhaps unwantedly.

CalifJim · Answer

English 1b3Are you saying it is just another way of saying it along with 'in that it has,' for the reason that is has' and 'because it has'?

Yes.

English 1b3Maybe the problem is that the meaning of/use of 'in' here is something I'm not familiar with...

Possibly.

I happen to like that usage, and I don't think it's particularly uncommon, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to become familiar with it.

CJ

English 1b3 · Answer

CalifJimI happen to like that usage, and I don't think it's particularly uncommon, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to become familiar with it.

OK

Would you be so kind as to give me another couple of examples of its use? Maybe I am familiar with it and this particular sentence has just thrown me off

English 1b3 · Answer

enoon"Chime in" does not mean "To interrupt the speech of others, especially with an unwanted opinion." There is the solution to your problem—never use "chime in" to mean that. I know the AHD says different, but I have never seen it used that way, and I don't believe anyone could understand you meant it that way. It can mean to interrupt to agree, perhaps unwantedly.

That's interesting, because I definitely have heard it being used to interrupt rudely with an unwanted opinion. In fact, I mostly hear or read it being used in this way

Ambiguous phrasal verb

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