meaning

mean·ing

noun \ˈmē-niŋ\

Definition of MEANING

1

a : the thing one intends to convey especially by language : purport b : the thing that is conveyed especially by language : import

2

: something meant or intended : aim <a mischievous meaning was apparent>

3

: significant quality; especially : implication of a hidden or special significance <a glance full of meaning>

4

a : the logical connotation of a word or phrase b : the logical denotation or extension of a word or phrase

— meaning adjective

— mean·ing·ly \-niŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of MEANING

1. What is the precise meaning of this word in English?
2. an old word that has taken on a new meaning
3. The word has both literal meanings and figurative meanings.
4. a word with various shades of meaning
5. Don't distort her meaning by taking her words out of context.
6. I didn't understand the meaning of his remark.
7. Literary critics disagree about the meanings of his poems.
8. a poem with subtle shades of meaning
9. What is the meaning of life?
10. It's a story about the true meaning of Christmas.

First Known Use of MEANING

14th century

Related to MEANING

Synonyms: content, denotation, drift, import, intent, intention, purport, sense, significance, signification

Related Words: connotation; clue, cue, hint, implication, indication, inkling, intimation, suggestion; message, tenor, theme; bottom, essence, essentiality, nature, soul, spirit, stuff; acceptance, acceptation, definition; burden, crux, gist; core, heart, kernel, marrow, nub, nucleus, pith, point, quick; matter, motif, motive, question, subject, topic

Near Antonyms: means, method, way

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with MEANING

greening, leaning, screening