meaning

meaning — noun

1. the idea, message, or information that a word, sign, symbol, action, or piece of

1.nounA2
Definition

the idea, message, or information that a word, sign, symbol, action, or piece of art communicates

Example

The word 'freedom' carries a different meaning for each person in the discussion.

carries a different meaning for [someone]

When Christopher said he was 'fine,' Talia could tell his real meaning was the opposite.

possessive + meaning + be

Common collocations
  • the meaning of
  • carry a meaning
  • real meaning
  • different meaning
  • clear meaning
  • hidden meaning
  • understand the meaning
Synonyms
  • sense

    focuses on one possible interpretation among several; a word can have many senses but one meaning in context

  • definition

    the explicit, stated meaning of a word, usually from a dictionary; more formal than meaning

  • significance

    the deeper or implied message, especially beyond the surface; overlaps with meaning but sounds more formal

  • interpretation

    a personal or subjective understanding, whereas meaning can be shared or objective

Antonyms
  • ambiguity

    lack of a clear meaning; when something could be understood in more than one way

Grammar Patterns

the meaning of [word/sign/action]

[word/sign] has/takes on a meaning

Usage Note

The noun form is countable when referring to separate interpretations of a word or sign (several meanings), but uncountable when referring to the general idea communicated (the meaning of the poem).

Common Mistakes

What is the meaning of this word mean?
What is the meaning of this word?
using both meaning and mean in the same question is redundant.
This word's meaning is means happiness.
This word's meaning is happiness.
do not add means after the verb is.

2. the quality that makes something seem important, worth doing, or gives life a cl

2.nounB1
Definition

the quality that makes something seem important, worth doing, or gives life a clear direction and sense of purpose

Example

After retiring from teaching, Sari found new meaning in volunteer work at the library.

find meaning in [activity]

For Noor, helping her brother with homework gives her daily life a sense of meaning.

a sense of meaning

Common collocations
  • find meaning
  • sense of meaning
  • deeper meaning
  • the meaning of life
  • give life meaning
  • search for meaning
  • true meaning
Synonyms
  • purpose

    the reason for which something exists; more goal-directed than meaning

  • value

    worth or importance; can be practical (monetary value) while meaning is emotional or existential

  • significance

    the quality of being important; overlaps with meaning but can refer to historical importance rather than personal purpose

Antonyms
  • meaninglessness

    the state of having no purpose or value; the direct opposite of this sense

Grammar Patterns

find meaning in [something]

sense of meaning

[something] gives life meaning

the meaning of [abstract noun]

Usage Note

Cannot be used with words, signs, or symbols — those belong to sense 1 (EXPRESSED IDEA). This sense applies to experiences, relationships, work, and abstract concepts. The opposite concept is meaninglessness.

Common Mistakes

I am trying to find the meaning of my job.' (when speaking about purpose, not definition)
I am trying to find meaning in my job.
sense 2 uses in, not of, when linking to an activity.

meaning — adjective

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

While meaning is the broadest word for what something communicates, sense refers to one specific branch of a word's possible meanings (e.g., 'the financial sense of the word bond'). Definition is the precise, formal statement of a word's meaning — what you find in a dictionary. Significance goes beyond surface meaning to suggest importance or deeper implication: a historical event has significance because of its consequences, not just its dictionary definition. Interpretation is the most personal of the four — it describes how an individual understands something, which may differ from the intended meaning. For example, a poem has a literal meaning (the words on the page) but readers may each have their own interpretation of it. A dictionary gives you the definition of a word, but only context tells you which sense is being used.

sense ↗definition ↗significance ↗interpretation ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • the meaning of
  • lose its meaning
  • know the meaning
  • have meaning
  • find meaning
  • sense of meaning
  • the meaning of life
  • hidden meaning
  • double meaning
  • real meaning

Prepositions

Etymology

Proto-GermanicOld EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

Meaning comes from the verb 'mean' (to intend or signify), which traces back to Old English mænan ('to intend, to signify'), from a Proto-Germanic source meaning 'to think, to intend'. The -ing suffix turned the verb into a noun describing the result of the action — that is, 'what is meant.' The adjective use developed later in Middle English, originally meaning 'having significance.' Over time, the adjective sense became restricted to looks, gestures, and silences, while the newer adjective meaningful took over as the general term.