Label Meaning
Label Definition & Usage
A piece of paper, cloth, or similar material affixed to something for identification or other purposes.
Examples
- "The label on the jar indicated that it contained organic honey."
- "She removed the price label before gifting the shirt."
- "The wine bottle had an elegant label that showcased its vintage."
- "Each ingredient in his recipe had a labeled container for easy access."
- "The luggage had a tag with her name and contact information as a label."
To assign a category or label to someone or something.
Examples
- "The teacher was careful not to label any student as 'difficult.'"
- "He was labeled a hero after saving a child from drowning."
- "In her research, she had to label the data appropriately for analysis."
- "Don't label the previous generation as outdated; they have valuable insights."
- "People often label others based on first impressions alone."
A brand or trademark identifying a product or service.
Examples
- "This clothing label is known for its eco-friendly practices."
- "The company is launching a new label for its line of organic snacks."
- "He works as a graphic designer for a fashion label in New York."
- "Her music has gained traction under an independent label."
- "The coffee had a gourmet label, suggesting high quality."
Cultural Context
Labels play a significant role in commerce, communication, and self-identification. The use of labels can be both practical and controversial, especially regarding social identity.
The Power of a Label
Story
The Power of a Label
Maya stood in the bustling supermarket, her cart half-filled with groceries. She paused, staring intently at the rows of colorful products. Each item had a label—a small piece of information that could easily influence her choices. As she reached for a jar of pasta sauce, she noticed the label promised 'all-natural ingredients,' which made her feel confident about her health choice. Just then, an old friend, Jake, spotted her and waved. "Hey, Maya! It’s been ages! I'm surprised to see you here, labeling yourself as a health nut these days!" he joked, referencing her commitment to healthy eating. Maya laughed, knowing that his comment was just a friendly jab at her recent dietary choices. After catching up, they discussed their lives. Jake admitted he felt labeled as a corporate worker, feeling trapped in his job without any other identity. "Sometimes, it’s so hard to break free from the labels society places on us, don’t you think?" he asked. Maya nodded. As they parted ways, Maya thought more about labels—not just the ones she saw in the supermarket, but those that defined people too. Some words and descriptions affixed to individuals can be limiting, boxing them into narrow perceptions. Just like the superficial labels on food products, labels given to people often tell only part of their story. Reflecting on their conversation, she decided it was essential not to label her friends or herself hastily. Upon returning home, she opened her cabinet, eyeing the containers she had labeled in a fit of organization. It dawned on her that being organized is good, but she mustn't lose sight of the multifaceted qualities that everyone possesses. Labels could be practical but should never constrain someone’s identity. Maya resolved to celebrate the diverse identities of those around her and to embrace her own complexity—body and mind. Just as a product’s label conveys vital information without telling the whole story, each person has layers that surpass initial impressions. The dinner she prepared that evening had no strict labels; it was a mix of everything she loved, just like her friends and herself—multi-dimensional and vibrant with life.
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