mean·ing
Pronounced:
/ˈmi:nɪŋ/
Function:
nounInflected forms:
plural mean·ingsMeaning:
1 : the idea that is represented by a word, phrase, etc. [count] ▪ What is the precise/exact meaning of this word in English? ▪ Many words have developed more than one meaning. [=sense] ▪ an old word that has taken on a new meaning ▪ The word has both literal meanings and figurative meanings. [noncount] ▪ a word with various shades of meaning
2 a : the idea that a person wants to express by using words, signs, etc. [count] ▪ Don't distort her meaning by taking her words out of context. ▪ Do you get my meaning? = (chiefly Brit) Do you take my meaning? [=do you understand what I'm telling you?] ▪ I didn't understand the meaning of his remark/gesture. [noncount] ▪ a glance full of meaning [=a meaningful glance] b : the idea that is expressed in a work of writing, art, etc. [count] ▪ Literary critics disagree about the meanings of his poems. [noncount] ▪ a poem with subtle shades of meaning
3 [noncount] a : the true purpose of something ▪ What is the meaning of life? ▪ It's a story about the true meaning of Christmas. b : a quality that gives something real value and importance ▪ He began to feel that his life had lost its meaning. ▪ a life without meaning = a life devoid of meaning [=a meaningless life] ▪ Working with children has given her life new meaning. c : the reason or explanation for something ▪ What is the meaning of this intrusion?
2 a : the idea that a person wants to express by using words, signs, etc. [count] ▪ Don't distort her meaning by taking her words out of context. ▪ Do you get my meaning? = (chiefly Brit) Do you take my meaning? [=do you understand what I'm telling you?] ▪ I didn't understand the meaning of his remark/gesture. [noncount] ▪ a glance full of meaning [=a meaningful glance] b : the idea that is expressed in a work of writing, art, etc. [count] ▪ Literary critics disagree about the meanings of his poems. [noncount] ▪ a poem with subtle shades of meaning
3 [noncount] a : the true purpose of something ▪ What is the meaning of life? ▪ It's a story about the true meaning of Christmas. b : a quality that gives something real value and importance ▪ He began to feel that his life had lost its meaning. ▪ a life without meaning = a life devoid of meaning [=a meaningless life] ▪ Working with children has given her life new meaning. c : the reason or explanation for something ▪ What is the meaning of this intrusion?
know the meaning of (something)
: to understand (something) because you have experienced it ▪ I know the meaning of loneliness. [=I know what it is like to be lonely] —often used in negative statements ▪ Those people don't know the meaning of hard work. —often used in an exaggerated way to make a forceful statement ▪ He doesn't know the meaning of fear. [=he is very brave] ▪ I'll never stop trying. I don't know the meaning of the word “failure.” [=I am determined not to fail]