Definition vs. Meaning: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 3, 2023
"Definition" is a precise statement explaining a word or phrase, while "Meaning" is the significance or interpretation of a word, symbol, or action.
Key Differences
"Definition" is all about precision and clarity. It offers a clear and exact description of a word, ensuring that there's little room for ambiguity. When we look up a word in the dictionary, what we find is its definition. The definition aims to encapsulate the essence of a word in a manner that provides the reader with a clear understanding. For instance, when one seeks the definition of the word "apple," they would expect to find something along the lines of "a round fruit from an apple tree."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
"Meaning," on the other hand, dives deeper into interpretation and significance. While a word can have a definition, its meaning might change based on context, culture, or individual perception. The meaning of a word encapsulates its inherent value, implications, and the emotions it might elicit. For instance, the word "home" might be defined as "a place where one lives," but its meaning could encompass feelings of comfort, safety, and belonging.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Sometimes the distinction between "definition" and "meaning" can blur, especially when the definition of a word carries emotional weight. However, it's crucial to understand that while every word has a definition, its meaning might vary depending on various factors. An artist, for instance, might interpret the meaning of colors in their artwork differently than someone else.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Furthermore, "definition" generally remains constant for a given word in a particular language at a specific point in time. In contrast, "meaning" can be fluid, changing with evolving cultural norms, individual perspectives, and situational contexts.
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
In summation, while "definition" offers a clear-cut explanation of a word, "meaning" delves into the deeper layers of interpretation, significance, and emotional resonance.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Example Usage
"The dictionary provides the definition."
"The word has different meanings in various cultures."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Consistency
Generally constant for a word in a language at a specific time
Can be fluid and vary based on context and perspective
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Focus
Clarity and exactness
Significance, implications, and emotional resonance
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
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Definition and Meaning Definitions
Definition
A precise explanation of a word or phrase
The definition of 'aquatic' pertains to water.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
Meaning
The end, purpose, or significance of something
What's the meaning of this sudden change?
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Definition
The action of defining something
The committee's task was the definition of new guidelines.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
Meaning
The significance or interpretation of a word or action
The meaning of her gesture was clear to everyone.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Definition
The degree of distinctness in an image or sound
The television has high definition clarity.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
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Meaning
The thing or idea that a word or expression stands for
The word dove has a dual meaning – a bird and a symbol of peace.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
Definition
A statement expressing the essential nature of something
His definition of success is personal happiness.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Meaning
The denotation, referent, or idea associated with a word or phrase
How many meanings does the word "dog" have?.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
A statement of the meaning of a word, phrase, or term, as in a dictionary entry.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meaning
Something that is conveyed or intended, especially by language; sense or significance
The writer's meaning was obscured by convoluted prose.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
A statement or description of the fundamental character or scope of something
"[The panel] calls for a clearer definition of the status of people captured in American military operations" (Economist).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meaning
An interpreted goal, intent, or end
"The central meaning of his pontificate is to restore papal authority" (Conor Cruise O'Brien).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
The act or process of stating a precise meaning or significance; formulation of a meaning
The definition of terms is essential to any successful scholarly study.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meaning
A sense of importance or purpose
When he became a teacher, he felt that his life had meaning.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
The state of being clearly outlined
"With the drizzle, the trees in the little clearing had lost definition" (Anthony Hyde).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meaning
Disposed or intended in a specified manner. Often used in combination
A well-meaning fellow.
Ill-meaning intentions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
The level of detail in a recording, production, or digital encoding of an image or sound.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
A statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol (dictionary definitions).
Your definition of "elephant" needs to be more precise than "a big animal with large ears".
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
A clear instance conforming to the dictionary or textbook definition.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meaning
The denotation, referent, or idea connected with a word, expression, or symbol.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
A statement expressing the essential nature of something; formulation
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meaning
The purpose, value, or significance (of something) beyond the fact of that thing's existence.
The meaning of life
The number of persons attending the vigil had a lot of meaning to the families.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
The action or power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear.
Her comic genius is beyond definition.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
Clarity of visual presentation, distinctness of outline or detail.
The definition of a telescope.
Improve the definition of an image.
High-defintion videos
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meaning
That which is meant or intended; intent; purpose; aim; object; as, a mischievous meaning was apparent.
If there be any good meaning towards you.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
Sharp demarcation of outlines or limits.
A jacket with distinct waist definition.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meaning
That which is signified, whether by act lanquage; signification; sense; import; as, the meaning of a hint.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
(bodybuilding) The degree to which individual muscles are distinct on the body.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
(programming) A statement which provides a previous declaration with a value or body of a subroutine (in the case of function).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meaning
The message that is intended or expressed or signified;
What is the meaning of this sentence
The significance of a red traffic light
The signification of Chinese characters
The import of his announcement was ambigtuous
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
(mathematics) A statement that establishes the referent of a term or notation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
The act of defining; determination of the limits; as, a telescope accurate in definition.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meaning
Rich in significance or implication;
A meaning look
Pregnant with meaning
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
Act of ascertaining and explaining the signification; a description of a thing by its properties; an explanation of the meaning of a word or term; as, the definition of "circle;" the definition of "wit;" an exact definition; a loose definition.
Definition being nothing but making another understand by words what the term defined stands for.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Meaning
The purpose or importance of something
Life's meaning varies for each individual.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Meaning
An underlying or implied significance
He caught the hidden meaning in her words.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Definition
An exact enunciation of the constituents which make up the logical essence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
Distinctness or clearness, as of an image formed by an optical instrument; precision in detail.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
A concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
Clarity of outline;
Exercise had give his muscles superior definition
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Definition
A description of the features and limits of something
The job's definition includes various responsibilities.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
FAQs
Can the meaning of a word change over time?
Yes, cultural shifts and evolving contexts can alter a word's meaning.
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
Where can I find the official definition of a word?
Dictionaries provide standardized definitions for words.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Does the meaning of a word always align with its definition?
Not always; meaning can be influenced by context and individual interpretation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Are definitions always objective?
Definitions aim to be objective, but language evolution can introduce nuances.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Can a word's meaning be subjective?
Yes, individuals can interpret words based on personal experiences and beliefs.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
Can emotions impact the meaning we derive?
Certainly, emotions can deeply influence our interpretation of words or actions.
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
Why is it important to know a word's definition?
Knowing a word's definition ensures clear communication and understanding.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023
Can context change a word's meaning?
Absolutely, context plays a crucial role in determining a word's meaning in a given situation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Are all words easily definable?
Most words have clear definitions, but some abstract concepts can be challenging to define precisely.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Can a word have multiple definitions?
Yes, some words have several definitions based on different contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Can definitions change over time?
Yes, as language evolves, definitions can be updated or expanded.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
Is the definition more about the language structure?
Yes, definitions focus on language clarity and precision.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
Can a single word have a universal definition?
While definitions aim for standardization, nuances might exist across different languages or cultures.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Can personal experiences influence meaning?
Absolutely, personal experiences often shape our interpretation of words.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Is the definition of technical terms constant across fields?
Not always; a term's definition can vary based on its field of use.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023
Can art have multiple meanings?
Yes, art is open to interpretation and can hold different meanings for different viewers.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023
Can two people have different meanings for the same word?
Yes, personal experiences and contexts can lead to varied interpretations.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Is meaning tied to cultural or societal values?
Often, societal and cultural norms can shape the meaning of words or symbols.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
Why is meaning important in communication?
Meaning ensures the intended message is conveyed and understood correctly.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
Is meaning more about personal resonance?
Often, personal resonance plays a significant role in determining a word's meaning for an individual.
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
