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mean·ing

Pronounced:

/ˈmi:nɪŋ/Listen to audio

Function:

noun

Inflected forms:

plural mean·ings

Meaning:

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?
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]
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