Question

what does the phrase words are but wind mean?
\a man may break a word with you, sir; and words are but wind.\
—william shakespeare, the comedy of errors
words are not firm or dependable.
words can be heard but not seen.
words can move objects in their path.
words may arise strongly and suddenly.

Explanation:

The phrase appears in Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors alongside the idea that a person can "break a word" (go back on their promise). Comparing words to wind emphasizes that they lack solidity—wind is intangible and unsteady, so words are presented as not firm or reliable, matching the context of broken promises. The other options do not align with the thematic meaning of the line.

Answer:

Words are not firm or dependable.