meaning
meaning — 名詞
1. the idea, message, or information that a word, sign, symbol, action, or piece of
意思；含義
詞語、符號等所表達的內容
the idea, message, or information that a word, sign, symbol, action, or piece of art communicates
The word 'freedom' carries a different meaning for each person in the discussion.
「自由」這個詞在討論中對每個人來說都有不同的意思。
carries a different meaning for [someone]
When Christopher said he was 'fine,' Talia could tell his real meaning was the opposite.
當 Christopher 說他「還好」的時候，Talia 從他的語氣聽出真正的意思正好相反。
possessive + meaning + be
A single nod can carry completely different meanings in Japan and Bulgaria.
在日本和保加利亞，點頭這個動作可能代表完全不同的含義。
Noor explained the symbols in her painting before the meaning became clear to anyone else.
Noor 解釋了她畫中的符號之後，那幅畫的含義才開始變得清楚。
The dictionary gives several meanings for the word 'light,' depending on how it is used.
字典裡為「light」這個詞列出了好幾種意思，取決於它的用法。
- sense
focuses on one possible interpretation among several; a word can have many senses but one meaning in context
- definition
the explicit, stated meaning of a word, usually from a dictionary; more formal than meaning
- significance
the deeper or implied message, especially beyond the surface; overlaps with meaning but sounds more formal
- interpretation
a personal or subjective understanding, whereas meaning can be shared or objective
- ambiguity
lack of a clear meaning; when something could be understood in more than one way
文法句型
the meaning of [word/sign/action]
[word/sign] has/takes on a meaning
用法筆記
The noun form is countable when referring to separate interpretations of a word or sign (several meanings), but uncountable when referring to the general idea communicated (the meaning of the poem).
常見錯誤
2. the quality that makes something seem important, worth doing, or gives life a cl
意義；價值
重要性或賦予人生方向的價值感
the quality that makes something seem important, worth doing, or gives life a clear direction and sense of purpose
After retiring from teaching, Sari found new meaning in volunteer work at the library.
從教職退休後，Sari 在圖書館的志工服務中找到了新的意義。
find meaning in [activity]
For Noor, helping her brother with homework gives her daily life a sense of meaning.
對 Noor 來說，幫弟弟做功課讓她的日常生活有了意義。
a sense of meaning
The team's victory took on a deeper meaning because they had trained through many injuries.
這支隊伍的勝利有了更深的意義，因為他們是帶著許多傷痛一路訓練過來的。
Some people search their whole lives for the meaning of happiness.
有些人花一輩子尋找幸福的意義。
When Megan lost her grandmother, those old photos held new meaning for her.
Megan 失去祖母之後，那些老照片對她有了新的意義。
- purpose
the reason for which something exists; more goal-directed than meaning
- value
worth or importance; can be practical (monetary value) while meaning is emotional or existential
- significance
the quality of being important; overlaps with meaning but can refer to historical importance rather than personal purpose
- meaninglessness
the state of having no purpose or value; the direct opposite of this sense
文法句型
find meaning in [something]
sense of meaning
[something] gives life meaning
the meaning of [abstract noun]
用法筆記
Cannot be used with words, signs, or symbols — those belong to sense 1 (EXPRESSED IDEA). This sense applies to experiences, relationships, work, and abstract concepts. The opposite concept is meaninglessness.
常見錯誤
meaning — 形容詞
1. carrying or suggesting a particular feeling, intention, or purpose — used especi
意味深長
帶有某種意圖的表情或動作
carrying or suggesting a particular feeling, intention, or purpose — used especially of a look, gesture, or silence that communicates something without words
During the meeting, Andrew's boss gave him a meaning look that said 'keep quiet.'
會議中，Andrew 的主管給了他一個意味深長的眼神，意思是「別說了」。
give + person + a meaning look
Eshe paused and let a meaning silence fill the room before she answered the question.
Eshe 停頓了一下，讓意味深長的沉默在房裡蔓延，然後才回答問題。
a meaning silence
When the speaker mentioned budget cuts, Vikram and Isabela exchanged a meaning glance.
當講者提到預算削減時，Vikram 和 Isabela 交換了一個意味深長的眼神。
The teacher's meaning pause told the students that the next topic was very serious.
老師意味深長的停頓讓學生知道接下來的話題很重要。
With a meaning gesture toward the door, Padma signalled that the children should leave the room.
Padma 朝著門口做了一個意味深長的動作，示意孩子們應該離開房間。
- meaningful
far more common; can describe any noun (meaningful discussion, meaningful work, meaningful relationship)
- significant
emphasises importance rather than unspoken communication
- expressive
strongly shows emotion or feeling, often used of faces, eyes, and voices
文法句型
a meaning [look/glance/silence/pause]
meaning [noun]
用法筆記
Unlike the more common adjective meaningful, meaning as an adjective almost always describes brief communicative acts — a look, a silence, a pause, a gesture. It does not describe objects or events in general (a meaningful ceremony, not a meaning ceremony). Mostly found in literary or descriptive writing rather than everyday speech.