What Does This Mean? How to Ask and Answer in English
Asking and answering the question "What does this mean?" is an essential part of communication in any language. In English, there are various ways to ask and answer this question, depending on the context and the situation. Here are three common ways to do so:
1. Asking for a Definition
If you want to know the meaning of a word or a phrase, you can ask for a definition. Here are some examples:
- What does "ambivalent" mean?
- Can you give me the definition of "procrastination"?
- I'm not familiar with the term "neurodivergent." Could you explain it to me?
When answering this type of question, you can provide a concise definition or explanation. You can also give examples or use the word in a sentence to make it easier to understand.
2. Asking for Clarification
Sometimes, you might hear or read something that you don't fully understand. In this case, you can ask for clarification. Here are some examples:
- I'm not sure I understand what you mean. Could you explain it in simpler terms?
- What do you mean by "the bottom line"? Are you referring to profits or something else?
- Could you clarify what you meant by "the elephant in the room"? I'm not sure I follow.
When answering this type of question, you can rephrase or elaborate on what you said before. You can also give examples or analogies to help the other person understand better.
3. Asking for Context
Sometimes, the meaning of a word or a phrase depends on the context in which it is used. In this case, you can ask for more information about the context. Here are some examples:
- What do you mean by "it"? Who or what are you referring to?
- Could you give me some background information about this topic? It would help me understand better.
- What's the context of this quote? Who said it and in what situation?
When answering this type of question, you can provide more details about the situation or the topic. You can also give examples or explain the significance of the word or phrase in that context.
Conclusion
Asking and answering the question "What does this mean?" is an important part of communication in English. By using these three methods, you can clarify your understanding and improve your communication skills.