given meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

"given meaning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer or imply an inherent, specific, or known meaning of something. For example, "The phrase 'couleur de l'arc-en-ciel' has a given meaning that is not easily translated into English."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tribalism was given meaning by these wider political attachments.

The Guardian - Opinion

You have invested my life with purpose and given meaning to my days".

The New York Times

"Of course, words are given meaning by context, and context includes the purpose of the text".

The New York Times

Our lives are given meaning by the service we supply to the nation.

The New York Times

Specialist Nathan Whitelatch, 20, from Connellsville, Pa., said the reception from the Kurds had given meaning to the unit's mission.

The New York Times

Robert Douglovesairhursthesees these books to the point where, he says, they have given meaning to his own life.

The Guardian - Books

"Her art has always told the story of people who are suffering, and given meaning to their struggle.

The New York Times

The commission only provides ranges for the amount of aid given, meaning the true total may be well over €300m.

The Guardian - Business

How do you deal with infantile behavior shaped and given meaning only because of guns and brutality?

University of California, Berkeley

Using this materialist lens, visual cultures in the British Asian home, such as photographs, pictures, and paintings, are given meaning and value beyond their textual content.

Geoforum

But there was never great dignity in having your generation put through a BBC or Channel 4 filter to have its cultural moments given meaning or form.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "given meaning" when you want to emphasize that something has been intentionally or inherently imbued with a particular significance or purpose. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is providing the meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "given meaning" in contexts where the meaning arises spontaneously or without a clear source. Ensure that it's clear who or what is doing the giving of the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given meaning" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that something receives or is assigned a particular significance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is appropriate for conveying the idea of something being imbued with meaning. The examples show it used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "given meaning" is a versatile and frequently used expression that describes how something acquires significance. As Ludwig AI notes, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. It functions as a passive verb construction, often found in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts. Related phrases like "ascribed significance" or "imparted value" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. When using "given meaning", ensure the source of the meaning is clear to avoid misinterpretation. Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for writers seeking to convey the process through which things become meaningful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ascribed significance

This alternative emphasizes the act of attributing importance or meaning.

imparted value

Focuses on bestowing worth or significance.

attributed importance

Similar to "ascribed significance", but highlights the aspect of importance.

invested with significance

Emphasizes the act of endowing something with importance or meaning.

lent meaning

Highlights the act of providing or contributing to the meaning of something.

bestowed purpose

Focuses on granting or giving a specific aim or intention.

endowed with significance

Stresses the act of naturally possessing importance.

infused with meaning

Highlights the act of permeating something with significance.

bestowed significance

Similar to 'ascribed significance' but highlights act of bestowing.

credited with importance

Focuses on acknowledging or recognizing the value or significance of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "given meaning" to describe how something acquires significance. For example, "The community project "gave meaning" to their lives" or "Context is essential for words to be "be given meaning"."

What are some alternatives to "given meaning"?

Alternatives include "ascribed significance", "imparted value", or "attributed importance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "meaning is given" or "given meaning"?

"Given meaning" is a more concise and direct phrase when describing something that has been imbued with significance. "Meaning is given" is grammatically correct but can sound less natural depending on the sentence structure.

What is the difference between "inherent meaning" and "given meaning"?

"Inherent meaning" refers to a meaning that is intrinsic or naturally part of something, while "given meaning" implies that the meaning has been assigned or attributed by an external source or influence. They are related but not interchangeable.