in meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in meaning" is correct and can be used in written English to refer to the concept or idea that is being conveyed.
For example, "This word is similar in meaning but has a different spelling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Austerity measures will kick in, meaning taxes and unemployment and poverty will rise.

The Guardian

The pieces are overly obscure in meaning.

The New York Times - Arts

I fill in meaning around that as I write.

The New Yorker

Nescher contends the words are sharply different in meaning.

Harvard University

Use of tense became less complicated and less subtle in meaning.

Writing and Presenting in English The Rosetta Stone of Science

Presently, many terms used are ill-defined, vague, or overlap in meaning.

Journal of Cleaner Production

Like Gertrude Stein, Sitwell here was interested in abstract sound more than in meaning.

The New York Times

In contrast, the Netflix data are much more rich in meaning.

The New York Times - Magazine

The end-of-sentence cadence is important for expressing differences in meaning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The mistake is to consider the change in meaning particularly drastic.

The New Yorker

Pietersen's use of the word "treacherous" might be deemed unfortunate as well as mysterious in meaning.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarifying the intended meaning of a word or concept, use "in meaning" to precisely indicate that you're discussing its semantic content, rather than its etymology or other aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "meaning in" when you intend to convey 'related to the meaning'. "Meaning in" typically implies that the meaning is contained within something, while "in meaning" indicates the perspective from which you are discussing the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in meaning" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It clarifies that the discussion pertains to the semantic content or interpretation, as supported by Ludwig's examples. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

40%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The prepositional phrase "in meaning" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to specify that a discussion pertains to the semantic content or interpretation of a concept. Ludwig, drawing from a wide range of sources, demonstrates its prevalence across diverse fields like news, science, and academia. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it is essential to differentiate its usage from similar phrases like "meaning in" to maintain clarity. Remember that while it is similar to "with regard to meaning", "in terms of significance" and "from a semantic perspective" the alternative is not always perfectly interchangeable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with regard to meaning

This alternative specifies the aspect under consideration, focusing on the 'meaning' specifically.

with respect to its sense

This alternative uses 'sense' as a synonym for meaning, maintaining a similar level of formality.

in terms of significance

This shifts the focus from 'meaning' to 'significance', highlighting the importance or consequence.

when it comes to its import

The word "import" is used to indicate importance or significance of something, rather than directly focusing on the word's definition.

from a semantic perspective

This alternative introduces a technical, linguistic viewpoint, emphasizing the semantic aspect.

on the level of meaning

This focuses the discussion specifically on the level or layer of meaning, suggesting a deeper analysis.

as it pertains to its definition

This explicitly links the phrase to the 'definition' of something, clarifying the context.

concerning its interpretation

Focuses on 'interpretation', suggesting a more subjective or contextual understanding.

regarding its connotation

Emphasizes the implied or suggested meaning rather than the literal one.

in its denotation

Highlights the direct, dictionary definition of a term, offering a contrast to connotation.

FAQs

How do I use "in meaning" in a sentence?

Use "in meaning" to specify that you are referring to the semantic content or interpretation of something. For example, "The two words are similar "in meaning" but have different origins."

What are some alternatives to using "in meaning"?

You can use alternatives such as "with regard to meaning", "in terms of significance", or "from a semantic perspective" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'the meaning in' instead of "in meaning"?

While 'the meaning in' can be grammatically correct, it has a different connotation. It implies the meaning contained within something, whereas "in meaning" refers to the aspect of meaning itself. Consider 'the meaning in his words' versus 'his words are rich "in meaning"'.

What's the difference between "in meaning" and "in significance"?

"In meaning" refers specifically to the definition or semantic content. "In significance" refers to the importance or consequence. While related, they are not interchangeable. Something can be similar "in meaning" but differ greatly "in terms of significance".