“What’s the meaning?” is a question used to ask what something means, represents, or signifies. More commonly, English speakers say “What does it mean?” when asking about an unfamiliar word, phrase, symbol, sentence, or message. “What’s the meaning of this?” can also ask about the reason or significance behind something. For more insight read hare how do you mean meaning
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The phrase “what’s the meaning” is a shortened form of “what is the meaning.” The word meaning refers to the idea, sense, message, or significance communicated by a word, statement, symbol, action, or situation.
For example:
“What’s the meaning of this word?”
This asks for the definition of the word.
However:
“What’s the meaning of this?”
can have a broader meaning. Depending on the context, it may ask why something happened, what someone intended, or why a particular situation occurred. It can also express confusion, surprise, or even frustration.
So, the meaning of the question depends heavily on the words around it and the situation in which it is used.
“What’s the Meaning?” vs. “What Does It Mean?”
Both expressions can be correct, but they are not equally natural in every situation.
“What does it mean?” is usually the most natural choice in everyday English when asking about an unfamiliar word or phrase.
For example:
- What does “curious” mean?
- What does this expression mean?
- What does that symbol mean?
You can also say:
- What’s the meaning of “curious”?
- What is the meaning of this expression?
- What’s the meaning of this symbol?
These forms are understandable, but they can sound slightly more formal or deliberate.
For standard dictionary definitions and usage information, you can also consult Merriam-Webster’s definition of “meaning”.
When Do People Use “What’s the Meaning?”
The expression can be used in several different situations.
Asking About a Word
When someone encounters an unfamiliar word, they may ask:
“What’s the meaning of this word?”
This is asking for its definition.
In casual conversation, however, “What does this word mean?” is usually more natural.
Asking About a Symbol
The question can also refer to a symbol:
“What’s the meaning of this symbol?”
Here, meaning refers to what the symbol represents or signifies.
For example, someone who sees an unfamiliar road sign, mathematical symbol, or cultural symbol might ask about its meaning.
Asking About an Action
The phrase can have a broader sense when discussing someone’s behavior:
“What’s the meaning behind his decision?”
In this context, the speaker is asking about the reason, intention, or significance behind the action rather than asking for a dictionary definition.
Expressing Confusion or Anger
Consider:
“What’s the meaning of this?!”
This can have a very different tone.
The speaker may be asking why something happened or why someone behaved in a particular way. Depending on the context and tone of voice, it can express confusion, surprise, frustration, or anger.
Therefore, this expression does not always mean “Please give me a definition.”
What Does “Meaning” Mean in English?
The word meaning has several closely related uses.
It can refer to the definition of a word:
“What is the meaning of this word?”
It can describe someone’s intended message:
“I understand what you mean.”
It can refer to the significance of something:
“What is the meaning behind this experience?”
It can also describe the idea expressed through a creative work:
“What is the meaning behind the painting?”
Because the word has several uses, context is important when interpreting a question involving meaning.
How to Use “What’s the Meaning?” in a Sentence
Here are some natural examples:
“What’s the meaning of this phrase?”
“Do you know the meaning of this symbol?”
“What’s the meaning behind her decision?”
“What does this expression mean in English?”
“What’s the meaning of this message?”
For basic vocabulary questions, “What does this word mean?” is generally the clearest and most conversational option.
What Does “Meaning in English” Mean?
The phrase “meaning in English” usually refers to asking for the definition, explanation, or English equivalent of a word or expression.
For example:
“What does ‘bonjour’ mean in English?”
The speaker wants to know what the French word bonjour means in English.
Another possible question is:
“What is the meaning of this word in English?”
This is grammatically correct, although “What does this word mean in English?” usually sounds more natural in everyday conversation.
How Do You Pronounce “Meaning”?
Meaning is pronounced approximately “MEE-ning.”
Its standard pronunciation is /ˈmiːnɪŋ/. The word is related to the verb mean, and it is commonly used to describe the sense, message, or significance of something.
For example:
“What is the meaning of this word?”
The pronunciation stays the same regardless of whether meaning refers to a definition, intention, or significance.
“What’s the Meaning?” and Related Expressions
Several expressions are closely connected to this question, but each has a slightly different use.
What does it mean?
This usually asks for the definition or significance of a word, phrase, symbol, or situation.
“What does this word mean?”
What do you mean?
This asks a person to clarify what they are saying or intending.
“What do you mean by that?”
What is the meaning of…?
This is a more formal or descriptive way of asking about the sense or significance of something.
“What is the meaning of this expression?”
What does it stand for?
This usually asks what an abbreviation, acronym, or symbol represents.
“What does NASA stand for?”
What does this symbol mean?
This specifically asks about the meaning or significance represented by a symbol.
“What does this symbol mean?”
Understanding these differences makes it easier to choose the most natural expression for a particular situation.
Common Mistake: “What’s the Meaning” vs. “What Do You Mean?”
These two questions can look similar but usually ask for different information.
“What’s the meaning?” asks about the meaning or significance of something.
“What’s the meaning of this word?”
“What do you mean?” asks a person to explain or clarify their statement.
“What do you mean by that?”
For example, if you do not understand a vocabulary word, “What does this word mean?” is appropriate. If you do not understand what another person is trying to say, “What do you mean?” is usually better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of “what’s the meaning”?
“What’s the meaning?” means “What is the meaning?” and asks about the definition, significance, message, or reason behind something. The exact interpretation depends on the context.
What does “meaning” mean in English?
Meaning refers to the idea, sense, message, intention, or significance represented by a word, phrase, symbol, statement, action, or experience.
What is the meaning of this symbol?
It asks what the symbol represents or signifies. The answer depends on the particular symbol and the cultural, technical, or situational context.
How do you ask what a word means?
The most natural everyday question is “What does this word mean?” You can also say “What is the meaning of this word?”, which is correct but slightly more formal.
What is the difference between “what does it mean” and “what do you mean”?
“What does it mean?” usually asks about the meaning of something, such as a word or symbol. “What do you mean?” asks a person to explain or clarify what they are saying.
Conclusion
“What’s the meaning?” is a way of asking about the definition, message, significance, or intended sense of something. Although “What does it mean?” is usually more natural for everyday vocabulary questions, “What’s the meaning of this?” can be useful when discussing a word, symbol, action, situation, or idea. Choosing between these expressions depends mainly on the context and what exactly you want the other person to explain.