Meaningful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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meaningful

[หˆmiหnษชล‹fสŠl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in daily life

Having a significance or purpose; full of meaning; important and worthwhile.

Synonyms

important, significant, valuable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
meaningful

Use 'meaningful' when you want to describe something that has deep importance and significance, often with emotional or personal value.

  • Her words were meaningful to me
  • The gesture was small but meaningful
significant

Use 'significant' to describe something that has considerable importance, size, or worth, often backed by evidence or data.

  • There was a significant increase in sales last month
  • That achievement is significant for her career
important

Choose 'important' for situations where you want to emphasize the importance or necessity of something, often objectively or practically.

  • It's important to drink water every day
  • The meeting is important, don't miss it
valuable

Use 'valuable' when referring to something with a lot of worth, either monetary or in terms of utility and benefit.

  • This watch is quite valuable
  • Your feedback is valuable to our team

Examples of usage

  • It is important to have meaningful relationships in life.
  • She found a meaningful way to contribute to the community.
  • The project had a meaningful impact on society.
Context #2 | Adjective

in communication

Communicating something that is important or has a special meaning.

Synonyms

expressive, significant, symbolic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
meaningful

Used to describe something that has a clear purpose or importance and can evoke or communicate deep feelings or thoughts.

  • The speech was so meaningful that it left everyone in tears.
  • She gave him a meaningful look before she left.
significant

Used to describe something that is of great importance, value, or influence. It often implies a quantitative or qualitative measure.

  • Winning the award was a significant achievement in his career.
  • There was a significant increase in sales last quarter.
expressive

Used to describe something that effectively conveys emotion or thought, often through gestures, words, or art.

  • Her eyes were very expressive, revealing her true feelings.
  • The dance performance was incredibly expressive and moved the audience.
symbolic

Used to describe something that represents or stands for something else, often holding deeper meaning or representing abstract concepts.

  • The dove is symbolic of peace.
  • The exchange of rings is symbolic in many wedding ceremonies.

Examples of usage

  • She sent a meaningful message to her friend.
  • His words were meaningful and heartfelt.
Context #3 | Adjective

in art

Expressing or conveying an emotion or idea that has depth and significance.

Synonyms

emotional, profound, thoughtful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
meaningful

Used to describe something that has a significant impact, purpose, or importance. Often used in positive contexts to indicate depth and relevance.

  • Her speech was so meaningful that it left everyone inspired
  • They shared a meaningful conversation about their future
profound

Used to describe something that is deep in terms of insight, understanding, or seriousness. It generally conveys a sense of thoughtful intelligence or gravity.

  • The scientist made a profound discovery that changed the course of history
  • His words had a profound impact on her life
thoughtful

Used to describe actions or ideas that show careful consideration or attention to detail. It often implies kindness and a deep, deliberate thinking process.

  • She gave him a thoughtful gift that showed how well she knew him
  • His thoughtful analysis helped solve the problem efficiently
emotional

Used when referring to something that strongly affects one's feelings. It often implies a deep personal response that can be positive or negative.

  • The movie was so emotional that many people in the audience were crying
  • He wrote an emotional letter to his long-lost friend

Examples of usage

  • The painting was very meaningful, evoking strong emotions in the viewers.
  • Her poetry was always deep and meaningful.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research suggests that finding meaning in life can improve mental well-being and reduce stress.
  • Meaningful activities have been linked to higher self-esteem and feelings of happiness.
  • Psychologists indicate that people who engage in meaningful work often report greater job satisfaction.

Pop Culture

  • In films and literature, characters often seek meaningful relationships to learn about themselves and their purpose.
  • Songs that touch on deep feelings or experiences tend to resonate more with listeners, indicating a search for meaning.
  • Popular quotes often emphasize the importance of living a meaningful life, encouraging reflection and personal growth.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers debate what constitutes a meaningful life, often exploring concepts of purpose and value.
  • Existentialists argue that individuals create their own meaning rather than inheriting it from the universe.
  • Eastern philosophies often view meaning as interconnectedness and harmony with the world around us.

Education

  • Meaningful learning emphasizes understanding over memorization, encouraging critical thinking and application.
  • Teachers strive to create engaging lessons that connect with studentsโ€™ interests, making topics more relevant.
  • Projects grounded in real-world issues help students see the significance of their education.

Origin of 'meaningful'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'mวฃne,' meaning to signify or indicate.
  • It has evolved through Middle English, where 'meaning' was related to definitions and importance.
  • The suffix 'ful' suggests being full of meaning, showing how it impacts our understanding.

The word 'meaningful' originated from the combination of 'meaning' and the suffix '-ful', which means 'full of'. It first appeared in the English language in the 16th century. Over time, 'meaningful' has become widely used to describe something that has significance, purpose, or importance. The concept of seeking meaning in life and communication has been a central theme in various philosophical and psychological discussions.


See also: meaninglessly, meaninglessness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,727, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.