# Meaning Maturity
Meaning Maturity is the stage of development a [[Meaning|meaning]] has reached inside Joe's Mynd.
## Meaning
A [[Meaning|meaning]] can become more useful over time.
The current maturity stages are:
1. Named: the word or phrase has been noticed.
2. Defined: the note has a clear `Thing is ...` definition.
3. Source-anchored: the note names its [[Source Of Meaning]].
4. Linked: the note connects to related meanings.
5. Tension-named: the note names where the meaning is still unclear or easy to misuse.
6. Compared: the note has been tested through [[Meaning Comparison]] against another source.
7. Action-linked: the note has an [[Aligned Action]] or decision lens.
8. Lived-tested: Joe has used the meaning in a real [[Decision|decision]], relationship, [[Action|action]], or reflection through a [[Lived Test]] and observed a [[Result|result]].
9. Revised: the meaning has been improved through [[Meaning Revision]] because of what happened.
Not every note needs every stage.
Core words should move farther through the stages than minor support notes.
## Source Of Meaning
This note is grounded in the current [[Living Meaning Guide System]] and the need to know whether a word is merely defined or actually useful.
## Relationship Over Time
This maturity model should change when Joe discovers a simpler or more useful way to tell whether a meaning is alive.
## Links
- [[Living Meaning Guide System]]
- [[Meaning]]
- [[Meaning Guide Loop]]
- [[Meaning Note]]
- [[Core Word Map]]
- [[Source Of Meaning]]
- [[Meaning Comparison]]
- [[Decision]]
- [[Action]]
- [[Result]]
- [[Aligned Action]]
- [[Lived Test]]
- [[Meaning Revision]]
- [[Joe]]
## Tensions
A maturity model can create clarity, but it can also create busywork. It should help Buddy choose the next useful move, not make Joe maintain scores.
## Question
What stage is this meaning in, and what is the next useful stage?