meaning
noun OPAL W
/ˈmiːnɪŋ/
/ˈmiːnɪŋ/
- [uncountable, countable] meaning (of something) the thing or idea that a sound, word, sign, etc. represents
- What's the meaning of this word?
- Words often have several meanings.
- I am using the word with its original meaning.
- The literal meaning of China is ‘the country at the centre’.
- ‘Honesty’? He doesn't know the meaning of the word!
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Extra Examples- I can't grasp the meaning of this quotation.
- The customer did not understand the meaning of the licence terms.
- It is difficult for a non-Italian to grasp all the nuances of meaning.
- Some of the symbols carry meaning and some just represent sounds.
- The context largely determines the meaning.
- The copy editor uses her skill to clarify the meaning.
- The word ‘gay’ took on its modern meaning in the 1960s.
- There's often a double meaning in jokes and riddles.
- These translation errors alter the meaning of the sentence.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- clear
- exact
- precise
- …
- comprehend
- get
- grasp
- …
- in a/the meaning
- with a/the meaning
- meaning behind
- …
- a nuance of meaning
- a shade of meaning
- [uncountable, countable] the things or ideas that somebody wishes to communicate to you by what they say or do
- It is important to make your meaning clear.
- I don't quite get your meaning (= understand what you mean to say).
- What's the meaning of this? I explicitly told you not to leave the room.
Extra Examples- I think you misunderstood my meaning.
- I'm sure there's no hidden meaning in what he says.
- She assigns a meaning to his words they just didn't have.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- clear
- exact
- precise
- …
- comprehend
- get
- grasp
- …
- in a/the meaning
- with a/the meaning
- meaning behind
- …
- a nuance of meaning
- a shade of meaning
- [uncountable] the real importance of a feeling or an experience
- With Anna he learned the meaning of love.
- The story explores the true meaning of freedom.
- It is difficult to grasp the meaning of these events.
Extra Examples- For her, the research trip had a different meaning: she was going home.
- I am finally learning the real meaning of moderation.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- deep
- real
- true
- …
- have
- acquire
- find
- …
- without meaning
- [uncountable, countable] the ideas that a writer, artist, etc. wishes to communicate through a book, painting, etc.
- several layers of meaning
- There are, of course, deeper meanings in the poem.
- This chapter is important if the reader is to understand the full meaning of this novel.
Extra Examples- This is a disturbing tale that conveys meaning on several levels.
- For him, art held little intrinsic meaning.
- The movie ends with scenes that are supposed to leave us pondering its meaning.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- clear
- exact
- precise
- …
- comprehend
- get
- grasp
- …
- in a/the meaning
- with a/the meaning
- meaning behind
- …
- a nuance of meaning
- a shade of meaning
- [uncountable] the quality or sense of purpose that makes you feel that your life is valuable
- Her life seemed to have lost all meaning.
- Having a child gave new meaning to their lives.
Extra Examples- Falling in love gave meaning to his life.
- He found spiritual meaning through religion.
- Her work no longer had any meaning for her.
- She's searching for the deeper meaning of life.
- Young people can feel that life is without meaning.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- deep
- real
- true
- …
- have
- acquire
- find
- …
- without meaning
of sound/word/sign
of what somebody says/does
of feeling/experience
of book/painting
sense of purpose
Word Originlate Middle English: verbal noun from mean (verb).