meaningful
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
having a clear purpose or importance that makes it worth doing.
having a serious, important, or useful quality or purpose.
Simple“She wanted to find a meaningful job where she could really help people.”
In context“The charity provides meaningful support to refugees, focusing on long-term integration rather than just immediate emergency aid.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
showing a lot of emotion or a secret message without using many words.
communicating a significant message or emotion, often through non-verbal cues or subtext.
Simple“They shared a meaningful look across the room, even though they didn't speak.”
In context“After the announcement, there was a meaningful silence in the hall as the board members waited for the director to justify the decision.”
SynonymsAntonymsblankexpressionless
Usage meaningful way · constructive meaningful · meaningful challenge
“Many workers in developing countries are engaged in informal or unstable work, which often denies them meaningful social protections.”
“Because this waste-removal system becomes increasingly important as we get older, exercise could play a meaningful role in protecting against cognitive decline.”
From meaning + -ful.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.