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meaning

n. · adj.
US //ˈminɪŋ// UK //mˈiːnɪŋ// mean·ing
  1. 1 definition of a word (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    the idea or information that a word or sign represents.

    the semantic content or denotation of a linguistic expression or symbol.

    Example

    If you do not know the meaning of a word, you should look it up in a dictionary.

    Example

    The precise meaning of the term remains a subject of intense debate among historical linguists and philologists.
  2. 2 purpose or significance (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the importance or reason for something.

    the underlying purpose, value, or significance of an action, event, or existence.

    Example

    Many people travel to different countries to find more meaning in their lives.

    Example

    The artist argued that the true meaning of the sculpture was found in the viewer's emotional reaction rather than the creator's intent.
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  1. 3 intention (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    what someone wants to say or do.

    the intended message or purpose behind a specific communication or action.

    Example

    I am sorry if I offended you; that was not my meaning at all.

    Example

    The legal team scrutinised the contract to ensure the meaning of the clause was clear and left no room for misinterpretation.
  2. 4 full of significance (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    showing that you have a specific thought or feeling without saying it.

    conveying a specific intention or significance through non-verbal cues; expressive.

    Example

    She gave him a meaning look across the dinner table.

    Example

    The silence between them was meaning, suggesting a shared understanding that required no further verbal confirmation.
Etymology 1

From Middle English mening, menyng, equivalent to mean + -ing. Cognate with Scots mening (“intent, purpose, sense, meaning”), West Frisian miening (“opinion, mind”), Dutch mening (“view, opinion, judgement”), German Meinung (“opinion, view, mind, idea”), Danish and Swedish mening (“meaning, sense, sentence, opinion”), Icelandic meining (“meaning”).

Etymology 2

From mean + -ing.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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