meaning
4 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
meanings
plural
meanings
Britannica Dictionary definition of MEANING
1
:
the idea that is represented by a word, phrase, etc.
[count]
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What is the precise/exact meaning of this word in English?
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Many words have developed more than one meaning. [=sense]
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an old word that has taken on a new meaning
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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]
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Don't distort her meaning by taking her words out of context.
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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]
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a poem with subtle shades of meaning
3
[noncount]
a
:
the true purpose of something
-
What is the meaning of life?
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It's a story about the true meaning of Christmas.
b
:
a quality that gives something real value and importance
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He began to feel that his life had lost its meaning.
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a life without meaning = a life devoid of meaning [=a meaningless life]
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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
— often used in negative statements
— often used in an exaggerated way to make a forceful statement
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I know the meaning of loneliness. [=I know what it is like to be lonely]
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Those people don't know the meaning of hard work.
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He doesn't know the meaning of fear. [=he is very brave]
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I'll never stop trying. I don't know the meaning of the word “failure.” [=I am determined not to fail]
