different meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

"different meaning" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a change in the implied significance of something. For example, "The wording of the law had a different meaning than the people expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Similar shape but very different meaning.

The New Yorker

So "unilateralism" takes on a different meaning.

The Economist

But it has a different meaning today.

The Guardian

The words took on a different meaning.

The New York Times

It has a whole different meaning.

The New York Times - Sports

Or perhaps 'satisfactory' has a different meaning in Leicester.

The Guardian - Sport

These pieces can have different meaning in real life.

The New Yorker

Make It Big, gives it quite a different meaning.

The Guardian - Music

But temporary may have a different meaning in Vermont.

The New York Times

But now, the message had a different meaning.

The New York Times

It gave words a different meaning, a deeper meaning".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "different meaning" to clarify how context influences the interpretation of words or events. For example, "In the business world, 'teamwork' can have a different meaning than in sports."

Common error

Avoid using "different meaning" without clearly specifying what the original meaning was or what the new meaning is. Without context, the phrase becomes vague and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different meaning" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage, especially for showing how context affects interpretation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "different meaning" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that a word, phrase, or situation has a new or altered interpretation based on context. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is used across various fields, including news, science and encyclopedias. When using "different meaning", ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify the shift in understanding. Alternatives such as "altered significance" or "new interpretation" can also be useful depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey. Remember, according to the data, that providing context to explain the shift in understanding will greatly improve the clarity of your sentences. Finally, it's important to choose the best alternative that fits the intended meaning, context and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shifted meaning

Highlights that the meaning has moved or evolved from its original state.

alternative interpretation

Suggests another possible understanding, possibly contrasting with a more common one.

new interpretation

Highlights a fresh or novel understanding of a subject or concept.

another significance

Indicates an additional layer of importance or consequence.

redefined understanding

Signals a complete reconstruction or re-evaluation of comprehension.

altered significance

Emphasizes a change or modification in the importance or relevance of something.

nuanced interpretation

Highlights a subtle but important difference in understanding.

modified sense

Implies an adjusted or revised understanding of a term or concept.

distinct connotation

Focuses on a separate or unique emotional association or implication of a word or phrase.

varied implications

Emphasizes the diverse potential consequences or effects.

FAQs

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

You can use "different meaning" to indicate that a word, phrase, or concept is understood or interpreted in a new or altered way depending on the context. For example, "The word 'freedom' has a "different meaning" during wartime".

What are some alternatives to "different meaning"?

Some alternatives to "different meaning" include "altered significance", "new interpretation", or "distinct connotation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to explain the "different meaning"?

It's best practice to provide context when using "different meaning". Briefly describe both the original and the altered meaning for clarity. Otherwise, the statement can be too vague.

What is the difference between "different meaning" and "another significance"?

"Different meaning" implies an alteration or change in the interpretation. Whereas "another significance" suggests an additional layer of importance or consequence.