the message that is intended or expressed or signified
"what is the meaning of this sentence"
"the significance of a red traffic light"
"the signification of Chinese characters"
"the import of his announcement was ambiguous"
The denotation, referent, or idea connected with a word, expression, or symbol.
"The artist explained that while the sculpture's physical form was abstract, its true power lay in the deep cultural meaning attached to the dove as a universal symbol of peace."
In plain English: Meaning is what something represents or stands for to you.
"She spent hours trying to find the true meaning behind his strange behavior."
Usage: Use "meaning" to describe the specific idea, concept, or message that a word or phrase conveys to a reader or listener. Avoid confusing it with "mean," which refers to being unkind or having an average value.
present participle of mean
"The sign on the door was a warning to stop, but its red light flickered in and out, making it hard to know if the word meant danger or just that someone had left the bulb unplugged."
In plain English: To mean something is to intend for it to be true or to have a specific purpose behind your words or actions.
"The teacher asked if she meant that we should start the project today."
Usage: Do not confuse the noun "meaning" with the verb form; when you intend to indicate or signify something, use the base verb "mean." For example, say "I mean to help" rather than "I meaning to help," as the latter is grammatically incorrect.
rich in significance or implication
"a meaning look"
"a significant silence"
Having a (specified) intention.
"The letter had no legal standing, but it carried the clear meaning that we intended to withdraw our support immediately."
In plain English: When something is meaningful, it has real value or importance to you.
"The old letter had lost its original meaning over time."
Usage: Use "meaning" only when referring to the specific purpose or intent behind an action, such as in the phrase "the meaning of his gesture." In most other contexts where you need an adjective for having significance, use "meaningful" instead.
The word "meaning" comes from Middle English mening, which is formed by combining the verb mean with the suffix -ing. It entered modern usage to describe the intent or significance behind words and actions.