a single meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single meaning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the clarity or specificity of a term, concept, or statement that has only one interpretation. Example: "In this context, the term 'freedom' has a single meaning that refers to the absence of constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"But I'm not sure photography ever had a single meaning.

The Guardian - Arts

That determination, however, cannot be made simply by declaring that the Constitution has a single meaning.

The New York Times

It is futile to insist that a complicated symbolic act has only a single meaning.

The New York Times - Magazine

We should not expect these experiences to cohere into a single "meaning of life".

The New York Times

But as desirable as this seems, reality dooms it to failure: events seldom have a single meaning.

University of California, Berkeley

An object rarely has a single meaning; they are read variously in different cultural settings, and even by different individuals within a cultural system.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

It's actually more complicated than this, which is another reason why "organic" has become an inadequate guarantor of quality: people think "organic" has a clear, single meaning but standards vary between and sometimes within countries.

The Guardian

'That' has a single linguistic meaning, but this meaning does not determine reference in a context; linguistic meaning instead determines the characters of occurrences, and these characters determine reference in a context.

SEP

A text never has one single meaning and there is always some degree of interpretation when approaching a text [ 25, 50].

BMC Nursing

Indexicals, by contrast, seem to have a single linguistic meaning that is fixed by linguistic convention, but also another sort of meaning (content) that varies from occasion to occasion, or context to context.

SEP

Unlike single words, which often have several different meanings, multi-word medical terms, with very rare exceptions, have a single, specific meaning.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a single meaning" when you want to emphasize that something has only one possible interpretation or that it should be understood in a very specific way. This can help avoid ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a single meaning" when discussing subjective topics or concepts that are open to interpretation. Acknowledge that different people might understand things differently.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single meaning" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates that something has one specific and unambiguous interpretation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a single meaning" is grammatically correct and frequently used to emphasize that a term, concept, or statement has only one possible interpretation. As Ludwig AI suggests, this emphasis on clarity can be valuable in avoiding ambiguity. While it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and academia, it's important to remember that not all situations benefit from rigidly enforced singular interpretations. Alternatives like "one interpretation" or "a sole meaning" offer similar nuances for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one interpretation

Focuses on the act of interpreting something in only one way.

a sole meaning

Emphasizes the uniqueness and exclusivity of the meaning.

unique significance

Highlights the singular importance or relevance of something.

one definite meaning

Stresses the clarity and unambiguity of the meaning.

a singular interpretation

Similar to "one interpretation" but places more emphasis on the act of interpretation.

a specific meaning

Highlights that the meaning is precise and not general.

a clear-cut meaning

Focuses on the easiness of understanding the meaning.

an unambiguous meaning

Highlights the lack of potential for multiple interpretations.

a uniform meaning

Emphasizes consistency in meaning across different contexts.

a fixed meaning

Indicates that the meaning is established and unchanging.

FAQs

How can I use "a single meaning" in a sentence?

You can use "a single meaning" to emphasize that a word, concept, or situation has only one interpretation, such as: "In this context, the word 'success' has "a single meaning": achieving predetermined goals".

What are some alternatives to "a single meaning"?

Alternatives to "a single meaning" include "one interpretation", "a sole meaning", or "unique significance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a single meaning"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that something is unambiguous and has only one intended interpretation. Be cautious when applying it to abstract or subjective concepts that are open to multiple viewpoints.

Is it always desirable for something to have "a single meaning"?

Not necessarily. While clarity is often important, sometimes ambiguity can be intentional or even desirable in literature, art, or complex discussions. Insisting on "a single meaning" can stifle creativity and understanding.