Words are indicators of the mind.

Explanation

Words are the outward signs of inward intent; they are the primary — though not the exclusive — evidence of what a party meant.

Where this applies

• The words someone chose reveal what they were thinking and intending.
• We need to look at the words they used to understand their intent.
• Words are the primary evidence of what a person meant when they wrote the document.

See also

• 10.1.1 Liberal constructions of written instruments are to be made, on account of the simplicity of the common people, so that the thing may have effect rather than perish; and words should serve the intention, not the intention the words.
• 10.2.2 The meaning of the words is the spirit of the law.