Cool MateDefinition vs Meaning
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Definition
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
Meaning
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
| Definition | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌdefɪˈnɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌdefɪˈnɪʃn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈmiːnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈmiːnɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | A clear explanation of the meaning of a word. | What something is or represents. |
| Example | The definition of love can vary from person to person. | The meaning of the word is very important in understanding the sentence. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | careful, clear, concise, give (somebody), offer (somebody), propose, encompass something, include something, according to a/the definition, by definition, under a/the definition, careful, clear, concise, give (somebody), offer (somebody), propose, encompass something, include something, according to a/the definition, by definition, under a/the definition | clear, exact, precise, comprehend, get, grasp, in a/the meaning, with a/the meaning, meaning behind, a nuance of meaning, a shade of meaning, clear, exact, precise, comprehend, get, grasp, in a/the meaning, with a/the meaning, meaning behind, a nuance of meaning, a shade of meaning, deep, real, true, have, acquire, find, without meaning, clear, exact, precise, comprehend, get, grasp, in a/the meaning, with a/the meaning, meaning behind, a nuance of meaning, a shade of meaning, deep, real, true, have, acquire, find, without meaning |
| Antonyms | ambiguity, confusion | confusion, ignorance, misunderstanding |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'definitive' which refers to something final or conclusive., Using it in a grammatical context where 'meaning' is more suitable., Mistaking it for 'definer', which is a person who defines. | Confused with 'mean' as a verb., Using it incorrectly in plural as 'meanings' when referring to a specific definition., Pronouncing it incorrectly as /meening/ instead of /miːnɪŋ/ |
| Usage notes | Use 'definition' when discussing the meaning of words in educational contexts. It is appropriate for formal writing and informal conversations but avoid it in overly casual settings. | Use 'meaning' when discussing the significance or interpretation of words, actions, or symbols. Avoid in overly technical contexts. |
Frequently asked questions: Definition vs Meaning
What's the difference between Definition and Meaning?
Definition: A clear explanation of the meaning of a word. Meaning: What something is or represents.
Are Definition and Meaning the same CEFR level?
Definition: B1, Meaning: A1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Definition and Meaning interchangeably?
Not always. Definition and Meaning are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.