only one meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

"only one meaning" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, "This phrase has only one meaning, so it will be easy to remember."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

But in the event, it delivers only one meaning - "someone who conceals listening devices".

The Guardian - Books

Likewise, his electoral call for "Poland for Poles" could have only one meaning in the Polish context: that non-Catholics had no place in post-communist Poland.

The Guardian - Opinion

And when Rory becomes a debutante and everyone keeps talking about her "coming out" party, they are clearly under pressure to pretend this phrase has only one meaning.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seems obvious to me that 'claimed' in this context has only one meaning, that is, properly claimed for income tax purposes, and not the mere assertion of dependency in the return.

Cornell University

These entities contain only one meaning, such as dog (animal), California (state), and potato (vegetable).

Data Science and Engineering

Affect and effect can both be verbs, but only one meaning fits!

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Originalism, briefly put, is a jurisprudence resting on the following wobbly assumptions: the Constitution only has one meaning; that meaning can be known without ambiguity (by those smart enough to read it); all laws ought to be judged against that singular, unchanging meaning.

Huffington Post

And when the judges in 1954 read the record of enforced segregation it carried only one possible meaning: it expressed a judgment of inherent inferiority on the part of the minority race.

Huffington Post

Sherrilyn Ifill, president of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, said the Confederate flag has only one fundamental meaning.

The New York Times

In fact, the sdministration's proposed reallocation would make SSDI solvent for 17 more years until 2033, while reducing the retirement program's solvency by only one year, meaning it will be fine until 2033, as well.

The Washington Post

The Best Supporting Actor award to Gig Young, who is aging well by getting better as an actor and by getting better parts ("They Shoot Horses, Don't They?'), was fine, and the only prob lem I can see is that all such contests usually provide only one winner, meaning that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "only one meaning", ensure that the context clearly supports this exclusivity. Avoid using it in situations where multiple interpretations are plausible or intended.

Common error

Avoid using "only one meaning" when the subject is open to interpretation. This phrase works best when referring to technical definitions or explicitly defined terms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only one meaning" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "meaning". It specifies the quantity of meanings, limiting it to a single, unique interpretation. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only one meaning" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to emphasize the singularity of a term's interpretation. Ludwig AI validates its acceptability and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While its usage is appropriate in diverse settings from academic to news media, it's crucial to ensure the context genuinely supports the assertion of a single, unambiguous meaning. Alternatives such as "a single meaning" or "just one meaning" offer subtle variations in tone. When employing this phrase, clarity and contextual accuracy are paramount to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a single meaning

Changes "only one" to "a single" for slight variation in emphasis. Has a slightly more formal tone.

just one meaning

Replaces "only" with "just" for a more casual tone. Retains the core meaning of singularity.

a unique meaning

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the meaning, rather than just its singularity.

one and only meaning

Adds emphasis to the singularity of the meaning, suggesting exclusivity.

a solitary meaning

Uses "solitary" to highlight the isolated nature of the meaning.

a singular interpretation

Replaces "meaning" with "interpretation", shifting the focus slightly towards the act of understanding.

unequivocal meaning

Highlights the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the meaning.

sole interpretation

Replaces "only one" with "sole" for a more concise and formal tone, focusing on exclusivity.

single possible meaning

Adds "possible" to emphasize that no other meanings are valid or likely.

one definitive meaning

Emphasizes that the meaning is conclusive and authoritative.

FAQs

How can I use "only one meaning" in a sentence?

You can use "only one meaning" to emphasize that a term or statement has a single, unambiguous interpretation. For example, "In this context, the word has "only one meaning": immediate action."

What are some alternatives to "only one meaning"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a single meaning", "just one meaning", or "a unique meaning", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to say something has "only one meaning"?

Not necessarily. Many words and phrases are open to interpretation. Using "only one meaning" is most accurate when referring to technical terms or definitions where ambiguity is intentionally minimized.

What's the difference between "only one meaning" and "multiple meanings"?

"Only one meaning" indicates that a word or phrase has a single, unambiguous interpretation. "Multiple meanings" suggests that a word or phrase can be understood in several different ways, depending on the context.