meaning Definition
- 1what is meant by a word, text, concept, or action
- 2implied or explicit significance
- 3purpose or intention
Using meaning: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "meaning" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The meaning of this word is unclear.
Example
What is the meaning of life?
Example
The meaning behind her words was not lost on him.
Example
The meaning of the painting is open to interpretation.
meaning Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for meaning
Antonyms for meaning
Idioms Using meaning
Example
It took me a while to get the meaning of what she was saying.
Example
His words seemed to have no meaning.
Example
Over time, the song's lyrics have lost their original meaning.
Phrases with meaning
Example
I looked up the meaning of the word in the dictionary.
Example
Many philosophers have pondered the meaning of life.
double meaning
a word or phrase that has two interpretations, often one of which is risqué or humorous
Example
The comedian's jokes were full of double meanings.
Origins of meaning
from Old English 'mǣnan', meaning 'to mean'
Summary: meaning in Brief
The term 'meaning' [ˈmiːnɪŋ] refers to what is implied or intended by a word, text, concept, or action. It encompasses the significance or purpose of something, as in 'What is the meaning of life?' and 'The meaning behind her words was not lost on him.' 'Meaning' can also be used in phrases like 'double meaning,' and idioms like 'get the meaning of something,' indicating understanding, and 'have no meaning,' implying pointlessness.
