Meaningful Meaning

UK /ˈmiːnɪŋfʊl/
US /ˈmiːnɪŋfəl/
Word Definition
meaningful meaning

Meaningful Definition & Usage

adjective

Having significant value, purpose, or impact, especially in an emotional, social, or philosophical sense.

Examples

  • "Her words were meaningful, touching everyone's heart."
  • "The meeting was long, but it ended with a meaningful discussion about the future of the company."
  • "They exchanged meaningful glances before she left."
  • "That act of kindness meant more to him than any gift could."
  • "The meaningful connection they shared made the distance between them feel smaller."
adjective

Relevant or useful in a practical sense, providing tangible or measurable benefit.

Examples

  • "The project provided meaningful results, helping the team improve efficiency."
  • "She spent the summer doing meaningful work for the local charity."
  • "The new system offers meaningful improvements over the previous one."
  • "This feedback is meaningful for the next phase of the design process."
  • "His contributions were meaningful in moving the project forward."

Cultural Context

The word 'meaningful' has its roots in the Middle English 'meningful,' which is derived from the word 'meaning' combined with the suffix '-ful,' indicating something filled with meaning or significance. Over time, it has evolved to encompass both emotional and practical uses, from deep personal connections to tangible results.

The Meaning of Connection

Story

The Meaning of Connection

Maria had always believed in the power of meaningful relationships. It was easy to get lost in the noise of daily life, but every now and then, she'd stumble upon something that felt truly significant. One evening, she found herself at a small gathering at a friend’s house, where the conversation turned to the future of their community. As the evening wore on, the chatter became more purposeful, less about pleasantries and more about making tangible change. Every word seemed meaningful in its potential to shift perspectives or inspire action. Sitting next to her friend Alex, Maria noticed how they exchanged glances—those brief, meaningful moments where no words were needed, just shared understanding. Alex had always been one to speak with depth, and that night, he delivered a few words about social responsibility that would stay with Maria long after. It was when they left the party, walking down the street under the moonlit sky, that the conversation deepened. "You know," Alex said, "it’s easy to get caught up in all the noise. But the only things that really matter are the meaningful connections we make." Maria nodded, reflecting on her own journey, realizing that this conversation—this connection—was exactly what she had been missing. Later, when she sat down to write, Maria thought about how the word 'meaningful' fit into her life. It wasn’t just about deep conversations or significant moments—it was about those small, yet impactful things that built her sense of purpose. Every step forward, no matter how small, held meaning. Maria had learned, through Alex’s words, that being purposeful with her time and energy could lead to profound, meaningful changes in the world around her. Every action, no matter how simple, could contribute to a larger picture.

The Meaning of Connection