What Does It Mean? Three Ways to Say It in English
Language is the key to communication, and knowing how to express yourself in different ways can help you better connect with others. In this article, we will explore three ways to say "what does it mean?" in English.
1. What is the Meaning?
One of the most common ways to ask for the meaning of something is to say "what is the meaning?" This phrase is straightforward and direct, making it easy to understand. Here are a few examples:
Example 1: "I don't understand this word. What is the meaning?"
Example 2: "Can you explain the meaning of this poem to me?"
2. What Does It Signify?
Another way to ask for the meaning of something is to use the word "signify." This word is often used in academic or literary contexts, but it can also be used in everyday conversation. Here are a few examples:
Example 1: "I'm not sure what this symbol signifies. Can you explain it to me?"
Example 2: "The colors in this painting signify different emotions. What do you think they mean?"
3. What's the Definition?
If you're looking for a more formal way to ask for the meaning of something, you can use the word "definition." This word is commonly used in dictionaries and other reference materials. Here are a few examples:
Example 1: "I need to look up the definition of this word. Do you have a dictionary?"
Example 2: "The professor asked us to write a paper on the definition of justice. What do you think it means?"
Conclusion
Asking for the meaning of something is an important part of communication, and knowing how to express yourself in different ways can help you better understand and connect with others. Whether you use "what is the meaning?", "what does it signify?", or "what's the definition?", the key is to be clear and direct in your communication.