meaning
/ˈmiːnɪŋ
/noun
1What is meant by a word, text, concept, or action: the meaning of the Hindu word is ‘breakthrough, release’ [mass noun]: the meaning of life...
- He was an intensely charismatic actor and conveyed the meanings of words as dramatically and sensitively as the music.
- Possible meanings of words contribute to the meaning of an utterance, which is an act by a speaker.
- The average reader does not need a glossary for the meanings of all such words, for they are clearly elicited in the context.
Synonyms
definition, sense, explanation, denotation, connotation, interpretation, elucidation, explication
1.1 [mass noun] Implied or explicit significance: he gave me a look full of meaning...
- And this stylistic difference takes on significant meaning.
- What had begun as an empty gesture became imbued with enormous significance and meaning; the thing that was killing him became a lifeline.
- She just did not want to accept the full depth of meaning that lay in his pained green eyes.
Synonyms
significance, sense, signification, import, thrust, drift, gist, implication, tenor, message, essence, substance, purport, intention
expressiveness, significance, eloquence, implications, intimations, insinuations
1.2 [mass noun] Important or worthwhile quality; purpose: this can lead to new meaning in the life of older people...
- They are connected spiritually through a sense of purpose and meaning for their lives.
- Does our work provide us with a sense of purpose and meaning that goes beyond just making money?
- The school emphasizes a broad education and the curriculum is designed to assist students in finding purpose and meaning in their learning.
Synonyms
value, validity, worth, consequence, account, use, usefulness, significance, point
adjective [attributive]
Intended to communicate something that is not directly expressed: she gave Gabriel a meaning look
Synonyms
meaningful, significant, pointed, eloquent, expressive, pregnant, speaking, telltale, revealing, suggestive
Phrases
not know the meaning of the word
Derivatives
meaningly
/ adverb ...- ‘That's not too old for a,’ I coughed meaningly, ‘scandalous relationship.’
- As Arley came back inside, Mike said meaningly to Satu, who nodded in response, ‘I think there's just one distraction right now that needs dealing with.’
- ‘As long as they don't get caught,’ Jason told her meaningly.
Origin
Late Middle English: verbal noun from mean1.