meaning
Very High (A1)Neutral (used across all registers)
Definition
Meaning
The idea, intention, or concept that a word, phrase, action, or symbol represents or conveys.
Significance, purpose, or value attached to something, especially in existential or philosophical contexts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can be concrete (lexical meaning) or abstract (purpose of life). The plural 'meanings' often refers to different interpretations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use identically in core sense. Slight variation in collocational preferences (e.g., 'full of meaning' slightly more common in UK texts).
Connotations
Identical core connotations. Philosophical use ('the meaning of life') equally common.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the meaning of [noun phrase]have meaningattach meaning tofind meaning inVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a look full of meaning”
- “read meaning into something”
- “lose all meaning”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Focus on 'clarity of meaning' in communications and 'meaningful data'.
Academic
Used in linguistics (semantics), philosophy, literary analysis (author's meaning).
Everyday
Most common: asking for definitions or discussing purpose.
Technical
In semantics: referential meaning, contextual meaning, lexical meaning.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- What did you mean by that remark?
- She means well, honestly.
American English
- What do you mean the project is delayed?
- I mean it this time.
adverb
British English
- She nodded meaningfully.
- He paused meaningfully.
American English
- He glanced at her meaningfully.
- She spoke slowly and meaningfully.
adjective
British English
- We had a very meaningful conversation.
- He gave her a meaningful look.
American English
- She found a meaningful way to contribute.
- The silence was meaningful.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- What is the meaning of this word?
- The meaning of 'hello' is a greeting.
- Can you explain the meaning of this paragraph?
- His words had a hidden meaning.
- The cultural meaning of the ritual has changed over time.
- We attach great meaning to this tradition.
- The philosopher debated the ontological meaning of existence.
- The poet's work is rich with layered meanings.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'mean' + 'ing' – what something is *intending* to communicate.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEANING IS A CONTAINER (words contain meaning); MEANING IS A PATH (search for meaning).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'meaning' as 'значение' in all contexts – for 'meaning of life' use 'смысл'.
- Don't confuse 'meaning' (значение/смысл) with 'opinion' (мнение).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'mean' (verb) and 'meaning' (noun) interchangeably (e.g., 'What is the mean?' – incorrect).
- Overusing 'meaning' where 'definition' is more precise for dictionary entries.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a common collocation with 'meaning'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Definition' is a formal, precise explanation of a word's meaning, often found in dictionaries. 'Meaning' is broader, covering ideas, intentions, and significance in any context.
No, 'meaning' is a noun (or the -ing form of the verb 'mean'). The verb is 'to mean' (e.g., What do you mean?).
It can be both. Uncountable: 'The text is full of meaning.' Countable: 'This word has three different meanings.'
'Meaningful' describes something significant, purposeful, or full of meaning. Use it for actions, relationships, looks, or data (e.g., a meaningful contribution, meaningful eye contact).