(1) Usage. In this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following words are used in the senses here expressed:

"Shall" expresses a command.

"May" expresses permission.

"Will" expresses the future occurrence of an event.

"Must" expresses a requirement that has to be met only if a person chooses to do something which the person is free to do or not to do. Example: "A respondent who wishes to raise any matter constituting an avoidance or affirmative defense . . . must plead the matter as an affirmative defense . . ."

(2) Definitions. In this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following words are used in the meaning here given:

"Administrative hearing" means a public hearing brought pursuant to RCW 49.60.250.

"Case" means the entire proceeding following from the filing of a complaint under RCW 49.60.230.

"Commission" means the Washington state human rights commission as an institution, whether acting through the commissioners, an administrative law judge, the executive director or staff, its legal counsel, or others, except where the context indicates one of the narrower meanings.

"Conciliation" means the process provided in RCW 49.60.240 for the elimination by conference, conciliation, and persuasion of an unfair practice after a finding has been made that there is reasonable cause for believing that the unfair practice has been or is being committed.

"Person" has the broad meaning given the word in RCW 49.60.040. It includes the commission.