1. Usage and Context: The primary driver of word meaning is how people use words in everyday language. As society changes, so does the way we use words, and their meanings evolve accordingly.
2. Dictionaries and Lexicographers: Dictionaries are valuable resources that document and codify word meanings based on observed usage. Lexicographers, the people who write dictionaries, analyze texts, identify patterns of word usage, and define words accordingly. However, even dictionaries are constantly being updated to reflect changes in language.
3. Language Academies and Authorities: In some languages, like French and Spanish, there are official academies that strive to preserve the purity and stability of the language, including setting standards for vocabulary and grammar. But even these bodies have to acknowledge the ongoing evolution of language.
4. Communities and Subcultures: Specific groups of people, like professional communities or subcultures, can develop their own specialized language or jargon, where certain words have unique meanings within that group.
5. Historical Evolution: Language is constantly changing. Words can gain new meanings, lose old ones, or have their meanings shift over time. This is due to historical events, cultural shifts, and the influence of other languages.
In essence, the meaning of words is a collaborative effort. It's shaped by how we use language, how we document it, and how language evolves over time. There's no single person or authority that "gives" meaning to words – it's a dynamic process that unfolds organically within a language community.