meaning
/ˈmiːnɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmiːnɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmē-niŋ/ (ame, mw)
meaning — noun
- meaningsingular
- meaningsplural
1. the idea, message, or information that a word, sign, symbol, action, or piece of
the idea, message, or information that a word, sign, symbol, action, or piece of art communicates
The word 'freedom' carries a different meaning for each person in the discussion.
carries a different meaning for [someone]
When Christopher said he was 'fine,' Talia could tell his real meaning was the opposite.
possessive + meaning + be
A single nod can carry completely different meanings in Japan and Bulgaria.
Noor explained the symbols in her painting before the meaning became clear to anyone else.
The dictionary gives several meanings for the word 'light,' depending on how it is used.
- sense
focuses on one possible interpretation among several; a word can have many senses but one meaning in context
- definition
the explicit, stated meaning of a word, usually from a dictionary; more formal than meaning
- significance
the deeper or implied message, especially beyond the surface; overlaps with meaning but sounds more formal
- interpretation
a personal or subjective understanding, whereas meaning can be shared or objective
- ambiguity
lack of a clear meaning; when something could be understood in more than one way
文法句型
the meaning of [word/sign/action]
[word/sign] has/takes on a meaning
用法筆記
The noun form is countable when referring to separate interpretations of a word or sign (several meanings), but uncountable when referring to the general idea communicated (the meaning of the poem).
常見錯誤
2. the quality that makes something seem important, worth doing, or gives life a cl
the quality that makes something seem important, worth doing, or gives life a clear direction and sense of purpose
After retiring from teaching, Sari found new meaning in volunteer work at the library.
find meaning in [activity]
For Noor, helping her brother with homework gives her daily life a sense of meaning.
a sense of meaning
The team's victory took on a deeper meaning because they had trained through many injuries.
Some people search their whole lives for the meaning of happiness.
When Megan lost her grandmother, those old photos held new meaning for her.
- purpose
the reason for which something exists; more goal-directed than meaning
- value
worth or importance; can be practical (monetary value) while meaning is emotional or existential
- significance
the quality of being important; overlaps with meaning but can refer to historical importance rather than personal purpose
- meaninglessness
the state of having no purpose or value; the direct opposite of this sense
文法句型
find meaning in [something]
sense of meaning
[something] gives life meaning
the meaning of [abstract noun]
用法筆記
Cannot be used with words, signs, or symbols — those belong to sense 1 (EXPRESSED IDEA). This sense applies to experiences, relationships, work, and abstract concepts. The opposite concept is meaninglessness.
常見錯誤
meaning — adjective
- meaningpositive
- more meaningcomparative
- most meaningsuperlative
1. carrying or suggesting a particular feeling, intention, or purpose — used especi
carrying or suggesting a particular feeling, intention, or purpose — used especially of a look, gesture, or silence that communicates something without words
During the meeting, Andrew's boss gave him a meaning look that said 'keep quiet.'
give + person + a meaning look
Eshe paused and let a meaning silence fill the room before she answered the question.
a meaning silence
When the speaker mentioned budget cuts, Vikram and Isabela exchanged a meaning glance.
The teacher's meaning pause told the students that the next topic was very serious.
With a meaning gesture toward the door, Padma signalled that the children should leave the room.
- meaningful
far more common; can describe any noun (meaningful discussion, meaningful work, meaningful relationship)
- significant
emphasises importance rather than unspoken communication
- expressive
strongly shows emotion or feeling, often used of faces, eyes, and voices
文法句型
a meaning [look/glance/silence/pause]
meaning [noun]
用法筆記
Unlike the more common adjective meaningful, meaning as an adjective almost always describes brief communicative acts — a look, a silence, a pause, a gesture. It does not describe objects or events in general (a meaningful ceremony, not a meaning ceremony). Mostly found in literary or descriptive writing rather than everyday speech.