What is meaning? Pronunciation and usage in English

meaning means . Learn how to pronounce and use meaning through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of meaning

meaningnoun

/ˈmiːnɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of meaning

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "meaning" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

The Standard Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • ˈmiːnɪŋ (stress on the first syllable)

Let's break that down further:

  1. ˈmiː - This is the first syllable.

    • mi - Pronounced like the letter "M" followed by the "ee" sound (as in "see").
    • n - Pronounced like the letter "n".
    • g - Pronounced like the letter "g".

  2. ɪŋ - This is the second syllable and the ending.

    • i - Pronounced like the letter "i" (as in "bit").
    • ŋ - This is the tricky part! It’s the “ng” sound, like in “sing” or “ring”. It’s a nasal sound – air comes out of your nose as you make it. Think of it as a very gentle, brief "ng" sound.

Tips for mastering the "ng" sound:

  • Practice: Say "sing" and "ring" several times. Focus on feeling the vibration in your nose when you make the "ng" sound.
  • Visualize: Imagine you're whispering the "ng" sound.
  • Listen: Listen to native English speakers pronounce "meaning" (you can find examples on YouTube or Merriam-Webster's website).

Resources for Hearing Pronunciation:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Some accents can influence pronunciation.)

Usage and examples with the word meaning in English

Let's break down how to use the word "meaning" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different shades of meaning! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (the core use):

  • Definition: This is the most common usage. It refers to the idea, concept, or significance behind something.
  • Examples:
    • "What's the meaning of life?" (A deep philosophical question)
    • "I don't understand the meaning of this word." (The definition)
    • "The meaning behind her silence was sadness." (The underlying emotion)
    • "He gave the event a profound meaning." (Its significance)
    • "There's a hidden meaning in the poem." (A deeper, less obvious interpretation)

2. As a Verb (to signify or convey):

  • Definition: To signify, imply, or convey something. To have a particular significance.
  • Examples:
    • "The symbol means peace." (The symbol signifies peace)
    • "His gesture meant that he was angry." (His gesture conveyed anger)
    • “The color blue means sadness in some cultures.” (The color signifies sadness)
    • "This gift means a lot to me." (It has a significant emotional value)

3. "Meaning to…" (Expressing intention or purpose):

  • Definition: This is a common idiom used to express an intention or a plan.
  • Examples:
    • "I meant to call you yesterday." (I intended to call you)
    • “He meant to help, but he got distracted.” (He had the intention to help)
    • "She meant to say hello, but she was too shy.” (Her intention was to say hello)

4. "What does...mean?" (Asking for definition or understanding):

  • Definition: A standard way to ask for the definition or the significance of something.
  • Examples:
    • "What does 'ubiquitous' mean?" (What is the definition of 'ubiquitous'?)
    • "What does his smile mean?" (What is the significance of his smile?)

5. Figurative Use - Adding Depth and Layers:

  • Meaning can be used to suggest a deeper level of understanding than just the literal definition. It's about the emotional or symbolic weight of something.
    • “The rain means renewal after a long drought.” (It represents something more than just precipitation)

Here's a quick table summarizing the different ways to use "meaning":

Form Part of Speech Meaning Example
Symbol Noun A sign, object, or image The dove is a symbol of peace.
"Means" Verb To signify, convey, imply The flag means freedom.
"Meaning to" Idiom Intent, plan I meant to call you.
"What does...mean?" Phrase To ask for a definition or understanding What does this gesture mean?

Tips for Using "Meaning" Effectively:

  • Context is Key: The precise meaning of “meaning” depends heavily on the context in which it’s used.
  • Consider the Subtext: Often, "meaning" is used to suggest something beyond the surface level.
  • Synonyms: Consider using words like significance, importance, implication, interpretation, or intention, depending on the nuance you want to convey.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "meaning"? (e.g., write a story, answer a question on a test, just wanting to improve your vocabulary?)
  • Can you give me a sentence where you've used "meaning" that you're unsure about?

Synonyms for the word meaning

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