Definition vs. Meaning — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 20, 2023
A definition provides a clear, concise explanation of a term, while meaning refers to the significance, interpretation, or implication a word or phrase holds.
Difference Between Definition and Meaning
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A definition is a formal statement that outlines the exact criteria of what a particular term or concept is. It's a precise description that classifies and demarcates boundaries, often used in dictionaries to provide clarity.
Meaning, in contrast, delves deeper. It seeks to uncover the nuance, emotion, or implication associated with a word or phrase. Meaning is subjective and can change based on context or cultural background.
When you look up a word in a dictionary, the definition is what you get as a direct explanation. However, the meaning of the word might encompass broader emotions, cultural connotations, or interpretations.
While a definition serves to clarify and pin down the essence of a term, meaning can be more fluid. It's shaped by individual experiences, societal values, or the context in which a term is used.
To elucidate further, definition provides a framework, a boundary to a concept or term, while meaning delves into the realm of interpretation, emotions, and personal or cultural implications.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Precise explanation of a term
Significance or interpretation of a word or phrase
Application
Used in dictionaries, academic texts
Explored in literature, conversation, cultural studies
Flexibility
Generally fixed
Can be fluid and change with context
Depth
Provides a surface explanation
Delves deeper into emotions, implications, interpretations
Subjectivity
Objective and straightforward
Can be subjective, influenced by individual or cultural perspectives
Compare with Definitions
Definition
A clear explanation of the nature of something.
The dictionary provided a concise definition of the term.
Meaning
An interpreted emotion, significance, or value.
The gesture held special meaning for them.
Definition
The exact criteria of something.
The law has a strict definition for what constitutes theft.
Meaning
The inherent or symbolic significance.
The ritual has a deep cultural meaning.
Definition
Clarification or interpretation of a term or concept.
Her essay lacked a clear definition of the main argument.
Meaning
The intention or purpose behind something.
She questioned the meaning behind his actions.
Definition
A description that outlines boundaries or limits.
The treaty included a definition of territorial boundaries.
Meaning
The significance or implication of a word or phrase.
The poem's meaning was open to interpretation.
Definition
A definition is a statement of the meaning of a term (a word, phrase, or other set of symbols). Definitions can be classified into two large categories, intensional definitions (which try to give the sense of a term) and extensional definitions (which try to list the objects that a term describes).
Meaning
The main reason or rationale.
He struggled to find meaning in his daily routine.
Definition
A statement of the exact meaning of a word, especially in a dictionary
A dictionary definition of the verb
Meaning
What is meant by a word, text, concept, or action
The meaning of the Hindu word is ‘breakthrough, release’
The meaning of life
Definition
The degree of distinctness in outline of an object, image, or sound
The clarity and definition of pictures can be aided by using computer graphics
Meaning
Intended to communicate something that is not directly expressed
She gave Gabriel a meaning look
Definition
A statement of the meaning of a word, phrase, or term, as in a dictionary entry.
Meaning
The denotation, referent, or idea associated with a word or phrase
How many meanings does the word "dog" have?.
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).
Meaning
Something that is conveyed or intended, especially by language; sense or significance
The writer's meaning was obscured by convoluted prose.
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.
Meaning
An interpreted goal, intent, or end
"The central meaning of his pontificate is to restore papal authority" (Conor Cruise O'Brien).
Definition
The state of being clearly outlined
"With the drizzle, the trees in the little clearing had lost definition" (Anthony Hyde).
Meaning
A sense of importance or purpose
When he became a teacher, he felt that his life had meaning.
Definition
The level of detail in a recording, production, or digital encoding of an image or sound.
Meaning
Disposed or intended in a specified manner. Often used in combination
A well-meaning fellow.
Ill-meaning intentions.
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".
Meaning
Full of meaning; expressive
Gave me a meaning look.
Definition
A clear instance conforming to the dictionary or textbook definition.
Meaning
(of words, expressions or symbols)
Definition
A statement expressing the essential nature of something; formulation
Meaning
The denotation, referent, or idea connected with a word, expression, or symbol.
Definition
The action or process of defining.
Meaning
The connotation associated with a word, expression, or symbol.
Definition
The act of defining; determination of the limits.
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.
Definition
A product of defining.
Meaning
(of a person's actions) Intention.
Definition
The action or power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear.
Her comic genius is beyond definition.
Meaning
Present participle of mean
Definition
Clarity of visual presentation, distinctness of outline or detail.
The definition of a telescope.
Improve the definition of an image.
High-defintion videos
Meaning
Having a (specified) intention.
Definition
Clarity, especially of musical sound in reproduction.
Meaning
Expressing some intention or significance; meaningful.
Definition
Sharp demarcation of outlines or limits.
A jacket with distinct waist definition.
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.
Definition
(bodybuilding) The degree to which individual muscles are distinct on the body.
Meaning
That which is signified, whether by act lanquage; signification; sense; import; as, the meaning of a hint.
Definition
(programming) A statement which provides a previous declaration with a value or body of a subroutine (in the case of function).
Meaning
Sense; power of thinking.
Definition
(mathematics) A statement that establishes the referent of a term or notation.
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
Definition
The act of defining; determination of the limits; as, a telescope accurate in definition.
Meaning
The idea that is intended;
What is the meaning of this proverb?
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.
Meaning
Rich in significance or implication;
A meaning look
Pregnant with meaning
Definition
Description; sort.
Definition
An exact enunciation of the constituents which make up the logical essence.
Definition
Distinctness or clearness, as of an image formed by an optical instrument; precision in detail.
Definition
A concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol
Definition
Clarity of outline;
Exercise had give his muscles superior definition
Definition
A statement expressing the essential nature of something.
The professor gave a detailed definition of the concept.
Common Curiosities
Is a dictionary the best place to find meaning?
Dictionaries provide definitions. For deeper meaning, literature or cultural studies might be more insightful.
Can a word have one definition but multiple meanings?
Yes, a term might have a set definition, but its meaning can vary based on context.
Why are precise definitions important?
Precise definitions ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings.
Can meanings change over time?
Yes, the meaning of a word can evolve based on cultural or societal shifts.
Can a definition be subjective?
While definitions aim for objectivity, some can have subjective elements.
Do all words have a fixed meaning?
No, the meaning of words can be fluid and influenced by various factors.
Is the definition of a term the same across languages?
Not necessarily. While a definition might be similar, cultural nuances can affect it.
How does context influence meaning?
Context can drastically change the meaning of a word, depending on how or where it's used.
Are there universal definitions?
While some definitions might be widely accepted, nuances can vary across cultures.
Are definition and meaning the same?
No, while a definition provides a clear explanation, meaning delves into deeper interpretations.
How do idioms fit into definition vs. meaning?
Idioms often have a set definition but derive their meaning from cultural or historical contexts.
Can art be defined?
Art can have a basic definition, but its meaning is often subjective and open to interpretation.
Can an individual's personal experience alter meaning?
Yes, personal experiences can influence one's interpretation or meaning of a term.
Why is understanding meaning important in communication?
Grasping the meaning ensures accurate interpretation and reduces misunderstandings.
How do academics ensure precise definitions?
Academics often rely on peer-reviewed sources and consensus to establish clear definitions.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
