meaning
UK[ˈmiːnɪŋ]US[ˈmiːnɪŋ]
n
The thing or idea that a word, sign, or symbol represents.
n
The real importance or purpose of something.
n
The ideas that a writer, artist, etc. wishes to communicate through a work.
Morpheme Breakdown
mean
ing
mean
to intend, signify
ing
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'meaning' originates from the Old English verb mǣnan, which carried the dual senses of "to intend, signify" and "to lament." This verb is part of the West Germanic family, related to Dutch menen and German meinen, all sharing the core idea of having something in mind. The addition of the noun-forming suffix '-ing' (from Old English -ung) transformed the action of signifying into the abstract noun denoting that which is signified—the sense, purpose, or interpretation. Thus, the modern concept evolved from the concrete act of intending or expressing a thought to the intangible idea or significance conveyed by language or action.
Analysis
Structure: mean (to intend, signify) + ing (noun suffix)
- mean: From Old English mǣnan (to mean, intend, signify; to complain), of Germanic origin.
- ing: A suffix forming nouns from verbs, indicating an action, its result, or a material, from Old English -ing, -ung.
Examples
The word "run" has many different meanings.
She pondered the deeper meaning of the poem.
He felt his life had lost all meaning after retirement.