meaning of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meaning of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the definition or significance of a word, phrase, or concept. Example: "The meaning of the word 'serendipity' refers to the occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The meaning of life?

Independent

And the meaning of love?

The New York Times

That's the meaning of deliberativeness".

The New Yorker

"That is the meaning of love.

Independent

"So what is the meaning of democracy?

The New York Times

That may be the meaning of life.

The New Yorker

I showed him the meaning of heart.

The New Yorker

"The Meaning of Disgust," by Colin McGinn.

The New York Times - Science

Think about the meaning of marriage.

The New Yorker

You know the meaning of proliferation?

The New Yorker

They asked about the meaning of dreams.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "meaning of", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a definition, significance, or purpose. Select the most appropriate term for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "meaning of" in contexts where a more specific term like 'significance', 'purpose', or 'definition' would provide greater clarity. Overuse can lead to vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meaning of" functions as a prepositional phrase typically introducing a noun or noun phrase, indicating the definition, significance, or purpose of something. It's used to inquire about or clarify the essential nature of a concept or term. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

28%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "meaning of" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to inquire about or explain the definition, significance, or purpose of a concept or term. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability and grammatical correctness. While it is frequently used in News & Media and Wiki contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, consider whether a more specific term like "definition", "significance", or "purpose" might provide greater clarity. Use "meaning of" when you want to explore the underlying essence or importance of something, but avoid overuse in abstract contexts where precision is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definition of

Replaces "meaning" with a direct synonym, focusing on the explicit definition.

significance of

Emphasizes the importance or consequence rather than just the definition.

interpretation of

Highlights the subjective understanding or explanation of something.

purpose of

Shifts the focus to the intended function or goal of something.

essence of

Focuses on the fundamental nature or core characteristic.

the idea behind

Explores the concept or rationale underlying something.

the point of

Highlights the objective or reason for something existing or being done.

the reason for

Directly asks or states the cause or justification.

the aim of

Focuses on the intended outcome or objective.

the value of

Emphasizes the worth or importance of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "meaning of" to ask about or explain the definition, significance, or purpose of something. For example, "What is the "meaning of life"?" or "The "meaning of democracy" is often debated."

What's the difference between "meaning of" and "definition of"?

"Meaning of" can refer to the significance, purpose, or underlying idea, while "definition of" specifically refers to the explicit explanation or description. Both terms are similar but the choice depends on the specific context.

What can I say instead of "meaning of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "definition of", "significance of", or "purpose of".

Is it correct to use "meaning of" in formal writing?

Yes, "meaning of" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. However, ensure that the term accurately reflects the intended nuance – definition, significance, or purpose. If more precision is needed, consider using more specific alternatives.