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noun British English pronunciation: meaning /ˈmiːnɪŋ/ 
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Related dictionary definitions

  1. 1
    [countable/uncountable] the thing, action, feeling, idea etc that a word or words represent

    Move this word and you change the meaning of the sentence.

    get/catch someone's meaning (=understand what they are saying):

    I'm not sure I get your meaning.

    layers/shades of meaning (=different meanings that are not obvious):

    Examine the writing closely, and you discover multiple layers of meaning.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of meaning
    1. a.
      the ideas that signs, symbols, or ways of behaving represent

      It seems that the clothes have a deep religious meaning.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of meaning
    2. b.
      the ideas that writers, artists, musicians etc try to express in their work

      This poem's real meaning has always been a puzzle.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of meaning
  2. 2
    [singular/uncountable] the special importance or purpose of something
    meaning of:

    The book tackles important questions, such as the meaning of life.

    meaning to:

    There didn't seem to be any meaning to her work.

    meaning for:

    Religion has little meaning for many people today.

    something loses its meaning:

    Times change and ancient customs lose their meaning.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of meaning

phrases

This is the British English definition of meaning. View American English definition of meaning.

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