meaning

The idea, concept, or message that a word, phrase, or action is intended to express.

• Look up the meaning of that unfamiliar term in a reliable dictionary.

A sense of purpose, significance, or value in life or human activity.

• She changed careers after feeling that her corporate job lacked any real meaning.

An underlying implication or hidden message that is not directly stated.

• His sarcastic tone gave a very different meaning to what seemed like a compliment.