maintaining meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintaining meaning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance of preserving the original significance or interpretation of something, such as a text or concept. Example: "In translation, it is crucial to focus on maintaining meaning to ensure that the original message is conveyed accurately."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a series of new papers, Dr. Proulx and Steven J. Heine, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia, argue that these findings are variations on the same process: maintaining meaning, or coherence.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

— Jeff Gordinier Artisan Bread Baking: How to maintain (meaning clean and grease) your KitchenAid.

The New York Times

Ainsworth said the technology was easy to install and maintain, meaning it could be deployed in deep water, on floating structures far from shore.

The Guardian - Business

The BBC Trust said that the level of investment in children's programming would be maintained, meaning that the proportion of the licence fee spent on children's output would actually increase.

The Guardian

It's more difficult and costly to maintain, meaning production has been halted more often than expected.

BBC

A response was coded as 'conceptually correct' if it differed from the 'exact' term but its use maintained meaning in the passage.

Language Testing in Asia

34 Spiritual needs within various patient populations include religious rituals, being at peace with God, finding hope, enhancing interpersonal connections, life review, maintain meaning in life and alleviating spiritual distress.

BMJ Open

This resulted in a line of inquiry to understand how the dyad moved through the change, eliciting examples of a variety of strategies used to maintain meaning at mealtimes.

BMC Geriatrics

(Helen, Chiropractic participant, Tucson, Cross-sectional) Although not intended to be representative of the experience of all participants in this study, Leslie provides an example of how expectations change over time in the context of ongoing attempts to establish or maintain meaning in life with chronic pain.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Previous studies of the brain have revealed the importance of "cortical integration" in maintaining consciousness, meaning that the brain must process and combine multiple inputs from different senses at once.

Science Magazine

The challenge is to adapt each version of the instrument to the relevant context and to a form that is comprehensible, while maintaining the meaning and intent of the original items [ 9, 10].

BMC Geriatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When translating or interpreting complex information, prioritize "maintaining meaning" over literal word-for-word translation to ensure accurate comprehension.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on the literal translation of words and phrases. Instead, prioritize "maintaining meaning" by considering the cultural and contextual nuances of the original message to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintaining meaning" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the act of preserving the original sense or significance of something, particularly in contexts like translation or interpretation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintaining meaning" is a gerund phrase used to emphasize the importance of preserving original intent, especially in translation or complex interpretation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English. While generally infrequent, it appears most often in academic and scientific sources, denoting a commitment to accuracy and fidelity. When writing, prioritize "maintaining meaning" over literal translations to ensure your message is clearly understood. Alternatives include "preserving significance" or "upholding intent", depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preserving meaning

Focuses on the act of keeping the original meaning intact.

retaining significance

Emphasizes the importance of keeping the significance of something.

upholding intent

Highlights the act of ensuring the original intention is respected.

conserving essence

Stresses the preservation of the fundamental nature of something.

keeping the spirit

Focuses on preserving the underlying feeling or attitude.

safeguarding interpretation

Highlights the protection of a specific understanding or explanation.

assuring coherence

Focuses on guaranteeing a logical and consistent structure.

securing clarity

Emphasizes ensuring ease of understanding and lack of ambiguity.

defending validity

Highlights the act of protecting the truthfulness or accuracy.

protecting sense

Focuses on keeping the core sense or reason intact.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintaining meaning" to emphasize the importance of preserving the original intent or significance when translating, interpreting, or adapting content. For example, "The key to a successful adaptation is "maintaining meaning" while updating the language".

What are some alternatives to "maintaining meaning"?

Alternatives include "preserving significance", "retaining essence", or "upholding intent", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to focus on literal translation or "maintaining meaning"?

Focusing on "maintaining meaning" is generally preferred over literal translation, especially when dealing with nuanced or culturally specific content. A literal translation can sometimes distort the intended message.

What does "maintaining meaning" entail in cross-cultural communication?

In cross-cultural communication, "maintaining meaning" involves adapting the message to resonate with the target audience while preserving its core message and intent. This may require adjusting language, tone, and examples to ensure clear and accurate understanding.