seek meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek meaning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the pursuit of understanding or interpretation in various contexts, such as literature, philosophy, or personal reflection. Example: "In times of uncertainty, many people seek meaning in their experiences to make sense of their lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Instead, they seek meaning in the tensions between their inner and outer worlds.

The New York Times - Arts

Zhang's enthusiasm for the "talking cure" reflects a wider surge in interest, as China's citizens seek meaning beyond the quest for prosperity.

The Guardian

At one point, Haskell compares her need to write the memoir with Ellen's need to change: "If he felt driven to make his life right by becoming a woman, I was no less driven to seek meaning through words".

The New York Times - Books

They seek meaning in their work and approach their careers with an inflated sense of missionary zeal that would send the writers of HBO's "Silicon Valley" scurrying for their notebooks.

The New York Times - Books

Don't seek success, seek meaning.

Forbes

They seek meaning through work and stay engaged in their communities.

Duke University

Value changes are also connected to identities and how we perceive our place in the world, and where we seek meaning.

European Journal of Futures Research

At the same time, growing wealth here meant Taiwan's middle class, especially elderly people, have more money and time to help others, as they seek meaning in life.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

What we sought in LSD is what humans have always sought – meaning hidden behind the transitory stupidity of human strivings that lead nowhere.

The Guardian - Opinion

Biographers have sought meaning behind the bearded and married "Master", who appears in three mysterious letters from spring 1858 to the summer of 1861.

The Guardian - Books

The trouble is, they don't often make wise decisions about which care they stop seeking, meaning they continue to seek unnecessary care while foregoing many necessary services.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seek meaning" when referring to the process of interpreting symbols, events, or texts to understand their underlying significance.

Common error

Avoid using "seek meaning" in contexts where a simpler term like "search" or "look for" would suffice. "Seek meaning" implies a deeper, more philosophical quest than a mere search for information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek meaning" functions as a verb phrase, where "seek" is the main verb and "meaning" is its direct object. It describes the action of actively searching for understanding or significance. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek meaning" is a grammatically sound and widely employed expression used to describe the pursuit of understanding, purpose, or significance. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal academic discourse to more general discussions in news and media. It is important to remember, when using this phrase, that is implies a philosophical quest rather than a search. Common contexts where the phrase appears are in discussions around personal fulfillment, the significance of events, and the understanding of abstract concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

search for meaning

Similar in intent, but emphasizes the active process of looking for meaning.

pursue significance

Replaces "meaning" with a synonym that suggests importance and value.

explore purpose

Focuses on the aim or intention behind something, rather than its interpretation.

find understanding

Highlights the cognitive aspect of grasping the nature of something.

determine the meaning

Emphasizes the act of establishing or fixing a specific meaning.

uncover significance

Implies revealing something that is hidden or not immediately apparent.

look for purpose

Directly indicates an active attempt to discover purpose.

identify the meaning

Focuses on recognizing and naming the meaning.

quest for meaning

Elevates the search to a more profound, dedicated journey.

ascertain the significance

More formal, suggesting a careful and methodical effort to determine importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "seek meaning" to describe the active pursuit of purpose or understanding in life, work, or relationships. For example: "Many people "seek meaning" in their careers."

What can I say instead of "seek meaning"?

You can use alternatives like "search for meaning", "pursue significance", or "explore purpose" depending on the context.

Is it better to "seek meaning" or "find meaning"?

"Seek meaning" implies an active quest, while "find meaning" suggests the discovery of something already present. The better choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the process or the result.

What's the difference between "seek meaning" and "seek purpose"?

"Seek meaning" is about understanding the significance of something, while "seek purpose" is about finding a reason or intention for something.