meaning

The word “meaning” means the idea or sense that a word, action, or symbol is intended to convey. In plain terms, what something signifies, or the sense of purpose behind it.

“Meaning” is pronounced MEE-nihng (/ˈmi.nɪŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “meaning” used in a sentence: “The meaning of the poem wasn't clear until the final stanza.”

“Meaning” is a noun.

The word “meaning” comes from Middle English. From Middle English mening, built from mean plus the noun-forming suffix -ing.

“Meaning” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Meaning” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the idea or sense that a word, action, or symbol is intended to convey.

A definition is a formal, dictionary-style explanation of what a word denotes. Meaning is broader: the whole idea or sense conveyed, including tone, context, and implication. Two words can share a similar definition yet carry different meanings because of how, where, and by whom they are actually used.

Yes. Many words are polysemous, carrying several related or distinct meanings depending on context. "Bank," for example, can mean a financial institution or the side of a river. Readers rely on the surrounding words and the situation to settle on the intended meaning each time.

Literal meaning is the direct, factual sense of the words themselves. Figurative meaning uses those words to suggest something beyond the literal, as in metaphors and idioms. "Break the ice" literally describes cracking frozen water, but figuratively it means easing tension in an awkward social situation.

A red traffic light carries the meaning "stop," and a thumbs-up gesture conveys approval. In language, the word "home" conveys not just a building but a sense of belonging. Each shows an idea deliberately communicated through a word, action, or symbol to someone else.