possible meanings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possible meanings" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing interpretations or definitions of a word, phrase, or concept. For example, "The word 'bank' has several possible meanings, including a financial institution and the side of a river." Alternative expressions include "potential interpretations" and "likely definitions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But a Ruscha's soulless lettering and freshman-year architecture renderings conspire to dumb down the possible meanings rather than deliver an epiphany of open-ended possibilities.

Huffington Post

When this happens, it has a few possible meanings.

The New York Times

Typically, the complaint leaves both possible meanings in play.

The New Yorker

(He did not pause to consider any other possible meanings).

The Guardian - Tech

Mr. Duato makes all those possible meanings appropriate for his dance.

The New York Times

No rebellious writer has sung its praises or pregnantly filled out its possible meanings.

The Guardian - Books

Neither are definitions complete pictures of all the possible meanings of a word.

The New York Times - Magazine

As Medrington suggests in his preamble, the possible meanings "double, treble and quadruple" before your eyes.

The Guardian

As a photograph of an empty space, it is full of possible meanings.

The Guardian

Each chapter seems to suggest a dozen possible meanings for the story.

The New Yorker

"She took in each road sign, pondering all their possible meanings.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, list the "possible meanings" explicitly rather than leaving them open to interpretation. For example: "The term has two possible meanings: X and Y."

Common error

Avoid using "possible meanings" to introduce so many interpretations that the core message becomes obscured. If there are too many, group them or focus on the most relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possible meanings" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It typically refers to the various interpretations or significances that a word, phrase, symbol, or action can have. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "possible meanings" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, referring to the range of interpretations or implications that something can have. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage is widespread across diverse sources, including news, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. When writing with "possible meanings", clarity is key. It is often helpful to list the "possible meanings" explicitly, instead of leaving them open to interpretation. Though highly versatile, care should be taken to avoid overloading the subject with too many meanings, potentially obscuring the core message. Alternatives like "potential interpretations", "viable readings", or "various significances", offer nuanced options to convey similar ideas with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potential interpretations

Focuses on the act of interpreting, highlighting the potential ways something can be understood.

potential implications

Emphasizes the potential consequences or ramifications that something could have.

conceivable interpretations

Highlights that the interpretations are within the realm of possibility or imagination.

plausible explanations

Suggests interpretations that are believable or reasonable.

viable readings

Implies interpretations that are practical and applicable.

alternative interpretations

Stresses the availability of different understandings.

various significances

Emphasizes the different levels of importance something may have.

multiple senses

Focuses on the different ways something can be perceived or understood.

imaginable senses

Highlights that the interpretations are within the realm of what one can imagine.

potential denotations

Highlights the explicit or direct set of meanings a word can have.

FAQs

How can I use "possible meanings" in a sentence?

You can use "possible meanings" to discuss potential interpretations or implications. For example, "The author explores the "potential interpretations" of the poem" or "The phrase has several possible meanings depending on the context.

What is a more formal alternative to "possible meanings"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "potential interpretations", "viable readings", or "various significances" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "possible meanings" or "potential meanings"?

Both "possible meanings" and "potential meanings" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific context.

How does the context affect the "possible meanings" of a word?

Context plays a crucial role in determining the "possible meanings" of a word or phrase. Consider all available information to narrow down the most likely interpretations.