primary meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary meaning" is correct in written English and is commonly used to describe a definition or idea that is the most basic or important.
For example, "When looking for the primary meaning of the word 'jubilant', it is important to focus on its basic definition: 'feeling or expressing great happiness or joyful excitement'."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The word must be refined before it can be applied to God and this means the formation of an extended meaning which leans on the primary meaning for its intelligibility.

SEP

Obviously, the Hawk use of 'wicked' is novel and derivative, but it's simply the case that in certain contexts the word can now mean something it couldn't before and something quite different than its "primary" meaning.

Yale University

Its primary meaning is "sharp," which is extended to "intense, critical, crucial".

The New York Times - Magazine

Blacken is more descriptive but has an active primary meaning of "destroying reputation".

The New York Times - Magazine

Unlike Michigan, this is a closed primary, meaning that only registered Republicans are permitted to vote.

The New York Times

A denotation is the literal or primary meaning of a word or phrase.

Britannica

It's an open primary, meaning undeclared voters who usually vote Republican can cast their ballot for a Democrat.

The New York Times

Rather, we're dealing here with the primary meaning, describing suffering: synonyms of severe are "grievous" and "extreme".

The New York Times - Magazine

I have been bending over backward here to permit the reported usage to determine the hot modifier's primary meaning.

The New York Times - Magazine

Answer While the sense of "fulsome" and "fulsomely" has shifted over time, the primary meaning suggests something offensively excessive.

The New York Times

Without the Horace poem to hand, a reader probably wouldn't immediately grasp the primary meaning of "part" as "place".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing texts, begin by identifying the "primary meaning" of key terms before considering secondary or figurative interpretations.

Common error

Avoid assuming the "primary meaning" always applies. Consider the surrounding text and context, as words can have different meanings based on how they're used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary meaning" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific aspect of a word or concept, as Ludwig AI confirms, pointing to its most fundamental and direct sense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

29%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "primary meaning" refers to the most fundamental and direct definition of a word or concept. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a grammatically sound phrase, widely used across diverse contexts from news and media to academia. While it's crucial to recognize the "primary meaning", it's equally important to consider contextual variations and connotations. Alternatives like "literal meaning" or "basic meaning" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. Understanding its function, purpose, and potential for misinterpretation ensures clearer and more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

literal meaning

Focuses on the exact, non-figurative sense.

core meaning

Emphasizes the essential or central aspect of the meaning.

basic meaning

Highlights the elementary or foundational sense.

original meaning

Refers to the initial or historical sense of a word.

principal meaning

Stresses the most important or dominant sense.

intended meaning

Focuses on what the speaker or writer meant to convey.

denotation

Highlights the direct and explicit meaning.

dictionary definition

Refers specifically to the meaning found in a dictionary.

face value

Indicates the most obvious or superficial interpretation.

plain meaning

Highlights the clear and unambiguous sense.

FAQs

How can I identify the "primary meaning" of a word?

Consulting a dictionary is a good starting point to understand the "basic meaning". However, context is crucial; the surrounding text often clarifies which sense is intended.

What's the difference between "primary meaning" and connotation?

The "primary meaning" refers to the literal or dictionary definition, while connotation involves the emotional or cultural associations connected to a word. For example, the word "home" primarily means a place of residence, but its connotations include feelings of warmth and security.

Is the "primary meaning" always the most important?

Not necessarily. While understanding the "primary meaning" is fundamental, the intended meaning in a specific context might be more relevant. Consider literary works, where authors often play with words to evoke deeper meanings beyond the literal.

What can I say instead of "primary meaning"?

You can use alternatives like "literal meaning", "core meaning", or "basic meaning" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.