Definition of meaning
1a : the thing one intends to convey especially by language : purport Do not mistake my meaning.b : the thing that is conveyed especially by language : import Many words have more than one meaning.
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
4a : the logical connotation of a word or phraseb : the logical denotation or extension of a word or phrase
meaning
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Examples of meaning in a Sentence
What is the precise meaning of this word in English?
an old word that has taken on a new meaning
The word has both literal meanings and figurative meanings.
a word with various shades of meaning
Don't distort her meaning by taking her words out of context.
I didn't understand the meaning of his remark.
Literary critics disagree about the meanings of his poems.
a poem with subtle shades of meaning
What is the meaning of life?
It's a story about the true meaning of Christmas.
14th Century
First Known Use of meaning
14th century
MEANING Defined for English Language Learners
meaning
playDefinition of meaning for English Language Learners
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: the idea that is represented by a word, phrase, etc.
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: the idea that a person wants to express by using words, signs, etc.
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: the idea that is expressed in a work of writing, art, etc.
MEANING Defined for Kids
meaning
playDefinition of meaning for Students
1 : the idea that is represented by a word, phrase, or statement
2 : the idea a person intends to express by something said or done What is the meaning of this behavior?
3 : the reason or explanation for something … Father Wolf taught him … the meaning of things in the jungle … — Rudyard Kipling, The Jungle Book
4 : the quality of communicating something or of being important He gave me a look full of meaning.
Learn More about meaning
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See words that rhyme with meaning Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for meaning Spanish Central: Translation of meaning Nglish: Translation of meaning for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of meaning for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about meaning
Seen and Heard
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