defining meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

"defining meaning" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the process of clarifying or explaining the significance of a term or concept. For example, "The philosopher spent years defining meaning in the context of language." Alternative expressions include "establishing significance" and "clarifying meaning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

That to me the defining meaning of what it takes to be a leader.

HuffPost

We are not alone in suffering heartache, questioning purpose, searching for justice, or defining meaning.

Huffington Post

That to me is the defining meaning of what it takes to be a leader".

Huffington Post

This example shows how the local policy document is crucial in defining meaning.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Here is a vogue phrase in which punctuation marks define meaning.

The New York Times - Magazine

The humane economy defines meaning: improving interpersonal connection, relating to other living beings.

TechCrunch

To help manage this issue, we chose to use the Web Ontology Language (Horrocks et al., 2003), the recommendation for representing knowledge with formally defined meaning.

Bioinformatics

In defining a language one must also define the rules of evaluation precisely that is, define what meaning results from evaluating any phrase of the language.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

According to its commonly defined meaning, a "pause" is the interruption or suspension of a process.

The Guardian

Lecoq also rejected the idea of mime as a rigidly codified sign language, where every gesture had a defined meaning.

The Guardian

It involves abstraction to define meaning, goals, and principles, as well as precision to define details and features.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defining meaning" when you want to emphasize the process of clarifying or establishing the significance of a term or concept, especially in academic or philosophical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "defining meaning" in casual conversation or informal writing; simpler phrases like "explaining" or "clarifying" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defining meaning" primarily functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It denotes the action or process of clarifying or establishing the significance or definition of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's about the process of clarification.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defining meaning" functions as a gerund phrase used to describe the act of clarifying the significance of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, particularly in academic, scientific, or analytical contexts. While not exceedingly common, its usage is consistent across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When writing, consider the level of formality required; in informal settings, simpler alternatives such as "clarifying" or "explaining" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarifying significance

Focuses on making the importance of something clear.

establishing significance

Emphasizes the act of setting or proving something's importance.

determining the sense

Highlights the process of figuring out the underlying sense or interpretation.

ascertaining the definition

Focuses on finding the precise definition of a term.

interpreting the concept

Highlights the act of explaining or understanding an idea.

elucidating the importance

Emphasizes the act of making the importance clear and understandable.

explaining the relevance

Focuses on showing how something is connected or important to a particular matter.

deciphering the essence

Highlights the process of uncovering the fundamental nature of something.

understanding the implications

Focuses on grasping the potential effects or consequences.

unraveling the mystery

Emphasizes the process of solving a puzzle or enigma.

FAQs

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

You can use "defining meaning" when you're discussing the act of clarifying the significance of something. For example, "The philosopher spent years "defining meaning" in the context of language".

What's a more straightforward way to say "defining meaning"?

Alternatives include "clarifying significance", "establishing significance", or simply "explaining" depending on the context.

Is "defining meaning" formal or informal?

"Defining meaning" leans towards the formal side, often appearing in academic or philosophical discussions. For informal contexts, consider simpler alternatives.

What's the difference between "defining meaning" and "finding meaning"?

"Defining meaning" focuses on clarifying the definition or significance of something, while "finding meaning" is about discovering purpose or value, often in a more personal or existential sense. For example, you might be ""defining meaning" of a word" or "finding meaning in life".