plural meanings
plural meanings
Learner's definition of MEANING
1
: the idea that is represented by a word, phrase, etc.（词、短语等的）意思，含义 [count]
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What is the precise/exact meaning of this word in English?这个词确切的英文意思是什么？
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Many words have developed more than one meaning. [=sense]许多单词现在已有多种含义。
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an old word that has taken on a new meaning赋予了新含义的旧单词
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The word has both literal meanings and figurative meanings.这个词既有字面意义也有比喻意义。
[noncount]
2
a : the idea that a person wants to express by using words, signs, etc.（通过使用词语、手势等想表达的）意思，含义 [count]
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Don't distort her meaning by taking her words out of context.不要断章取义地曲解她的意息。
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Do you get my meaning? = (chiefly Brit) Do you take my meaning? [=do you understand what I'm telling you?]你明白我的意思吗？
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I didn't understand the meaning of his remark/gesture.我不明白他的话/手势的含义。
[noncount]
b : the idea that is expressed in a work of writing, art, etc.（文学艺术等作品中表达的）意义，含义 [count]
[noncount]
3 [noncount]
a : the true purpose of something根本目的；真谛 b : a quality that gives something real value and importance意义；价值 -
He began to feel that his life had lost its meaning.他开始感到自己的生活已经失去意义。
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a life without meaning = a life devoid of meaning [=a meaningless life]毫无意义的生活
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Working with children has given her life new meaning.从事儿童工作给她的生命带来了新的意义。
c : the reason or explanation for something原因；缘由
know the meaning of (something)
: to understand (something) because you have experienced it（因为经历过）懂得，知道 —
often used in negative statements常用于否定句 —
often used in an exaggerated way to make a forceful statement常用于夸张地加强语气