as meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as meaning" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you are explaining the interpretation or significance of something, but it is better to rephrase for clarity. Example: "The term 'sustainability' is often used as meaning the ability to maintain ecological balance."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the other hand, another way of understanding "real" is as meaning "fixed by nature itself".

SEP

("Some" is to be understood as meaning "at least one").

Encyclopedia Britannica

The term "progressive" was interpreted as meaning Communist.

The New York Times

Many Engineers use the terms 'Specification' and 'Standard' as meaning the same.

World Pumps

This has been interpreted as meaning that setting up quasi-private schools will be prohibited.

The Economist

Until recently, this was interpreted as meaning just after the next general election.

The Economist

"Self-determination should not be interpreted as meaning an independent state".

The Economist

Social media quickly interpreted that as meaning the carrier not one of our feathered friends.

The Economist

The Home Office website defines critical as meaning an attack is expected imminently.

The Guardian

Of Williams, Mondesi and Ventura, Torre chose Ventura's effort as meaning the most.

The New York Times - Sports

In reality, courts generally interpret these formulations as meaning the same thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, prioritize alternatives like "is understood to be" for enhanced precision and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "as meaning" in formal documents or academic papers. Opt for more formal alternatives to maintain a professional tone and avoid potential grammatical criticisms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as meaning" functions as a prepositional phrase that often introduces a definition, interpretation, or explanation of a term or concept. It connects a subject with its intended significance. Ludwig's analysis suggests that while common, more precise alternatives exist.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as meaning" serves to express equivalence, interpretation, or definition, connecting a subject to its intended significance. Ludwig AI, suggests that while common, especially in news and media, it is better to use more precise alternatives like "is defined as" or "is interpreted as" in formal writing to avoid grammatical ambiguity. While acceptable in informal contexts, opting for alternatives ensures clarity and precision, enhancing the overall quality of communication. In essence, while "as meaning" isn't incorrect, careful consideration of context and audience is essential for optimal effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is interpreted as

Focuses on the act of interpretation, implying a subjective understanding.

is defined as

Suggests a formal and established definition, often found in dictionaries or official documents.

is understood to be

Implies a common or conventional understanding within a particular group or context.

can be taken to mean

Indicates a possible interpretation, suggesting that there might be other valid readings.

is tantamount to

Highlights equivalence in effect or consequence, rather than strict definition.

is synonymous with

Emphasizes direct equivalence in meaning, often used for single words or short phrases.

is another way of saying

Offers a more informal alternative, suitable for conversational contexts.

effectively means

Focuses on the practical implications of the meaning, rather than a formal definition.

can be expressed as

Highlights that a concept may have more than one alternative ways of expression, mostly used in scientific context.

is rendered as

Suggests a translation or transformation of meaning from one form to another.

FAQs

How can I rephrase a sentence that uses "as meaning" for better clarity?

You can replace "as meaning" with more precise phrases like "is defined as", "is interpreted as", or "is understood to be" depending on the intended nuance.

What's the difference between "is defined as" and "as meaning"?

"is defined as" suggests a formal, established definition, while "as meaning" is a more general way of expressing interpretation. Using "is defined as" provides a sense of authority and precision that "as meaning" might lack.

Is "as meaning" grammatically correct in all contexts?

While frequently used, "as meaning" may be considered less grammatically sound in formal writing. Alternatives like "is interpreted as" or "is understood to be" are often preferred in more formal settings.

What are some contexts where "as meaning" might be acceptable?

"As meaning" can be acceptable in informal conversation or less formal writing where the focus is on conveying the intended interpretation clearly, although more precise alternatives are usually a better choice.