accepted meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accepted meaning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a definition or interpretation that is widely recognized and agreed upon within a particular context or field. Example: "In linguistics, the accepted meaning of a word can evolve over time as society changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Not bad in the widely accepted meaning of the word bad, but in the "oh look, I'm cool and use bad to mean good" sense.

TechCrunch

SCHWARTZ: Does the term "cutting and editing" have an accepted meaning in the motion-picture industry?

The New Yorker

SCHWARTZ: Mr. Preminger, does the phrase "final cutting and editing" have an accepted meaning in the motion-picture industry?

The New Yorker

SCHWARTZ: As distinguished from "cutting and editing," does the term "final cutting and editing" have an accepted meaning in the motion-picture industry?

The New Yorker

It is one of the three most important functions that a director or producer has, and it does have an accepted meaning.

The New Yorker

Both sides in the argument presume that proportionality in war has some broadly accepted meaning which rational people can discuss, refine and apply to real situations.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Gibbard therefore does not accept meaning normativism as discussed in this entry.

SEP

These linguistic reconfigurations are indicative of Puett's mental fluidity: traditionally accepted meanings are explored anew through the kaleidoscopic lens of her mind.

The New York Times

The proposed design has been validated with a dictionary of more than 145 000 accepted meanings.

Information Processing & Management

Stirner maintains that accepted meanings and traditional standards of argumentation are underpinned by a conception of truth as a privileged realm beyond individual control.

SEP

The language a community speaks has to be truly public, with understood and accepted meanings for its central terms, on pain of ending with nobody ever understanding what anyone else is talking about.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "accepted meaning", ensure the context clearly establishes which community or field accepts the meaning, as acceptance can vary across disciplines.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "accepted meaning" is universally understood. Always provide context or clarification when discussing specialized terms to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accepted meaning" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and usability. It serves to identify a meaning that is widely recognized and agreed upon.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "accepted meaning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for denoting a widely recognized definition or interpretation, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's most prevalent in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. To ensure clear communication, always clarify the scope of acceptance. Alternatives such as "conventional definition" or "standard interpretation" can be used. Remember that while a meaning might be commonly accepted, it isn't necessarily universal, so providing context is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conventional definition

Focuses on the traditional or widely held understanding.

standard interpretation

Highlights the common or agreed-upon way of understanding something.

established significance

Emphasizes the long-standing and recognized importance or meaning.

acknowledged sense

Stresses the recognition and agreement on a particular meaning.

well-understood definition

Highlights the clarity and common understanding of a term.

recognized interpretation

Focuses on the acknowledgment and acceptance of a specific interpretation.

prevailing meaning

Indicates the most common or dominant meaning at a given time.

customary understanding

Emphasizes the habitual or traditional way of interpreting something.

general consensus of meaning

Highlights the broad agreement on the definition of the term.

commonly held view

Focuses on the widespread belief or understanding of a concept.

FAQs

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

You can use "accepted meaning" to refer to a definition or interpretation that is widely recognized within a specific field. For instance, "The "accepted meaning" of 'irony' has been debated due to its varied use in literature and everyday language."

What is an alternative to using "accepted meaning"?

Instead of "accepted meaning", you could use phrases like "conventional definition", "standard interpretation", or "well-understood definition depending on the context.

Is it always safe to assume an "accepted meaning" exists?

No, it's not always safe. While many terms have a widely understood definition, some may be subject to interpretation or have different meanings across various fields. Always consider your audience and the specific context.

What's the difference between "accepted meaning" and "literal meaning"?

"Accepted meaning" refers to the common or agreed-upon understanding of a term, which may evolve over time. "Literal meaning", on the other hand, refers to the dictionary definition of a word, without considering context or figurative language. Sometimes they can coincide, other times not.