Key Difference – Meaning vs Purpose
Meaning and purpose are two words that are occasionally used interchangeably. However, it is essential to understand that these two words cannot always be considered synonyms. Meaning refers to what is signified or expressed by an action, word, or concept. Purpose refers to the reason behind something being done. This is the main distinction between meaning and purpose.
What Does Meaning Mean
Meaning relates to something that is expressed by a word, action, or concept. It is defined by the American Heritage dictionary as “What is meant by a word, text, concept, or action” and by the Oxford dictionary as “the denotation, referent, or idea associated with a word or phrase”. You will comprehend the meaning of the word meaning more explicitly after reading the following sentences.
– The intelligent student quickly grasped the meaning of the poem.
– He contemplated the meaning of life.
– This phrase has more than one meaning.
Meaning can also refer to implied or explicit significance. Sometimes meaning can also be synonymous with purpose. This occurs when meaning refers to the worth or value of something. For example, the meaning or purpose of life would refer to the worth or significance of life. However, these two words cannot always be used interchangeably.
What Does Purpose Mean?
Purpose is similar to an aim or goal. The Oxford dictionary defines purpose as “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists”. The American Heritage dictionary defines purpose as “the object toward which one strives or for which something exists”. Thus, purpose is the aim or objective behind an action. Almost all the things we do in our lives have a purpose.
– Her purpose in going there is to meet the president.
– The original purpose of this building was to provide shelter for travelers, but now it is being used for different purposes.
– The purpose of this meeting is to appoint a new committee.
What is the difference between Meaning and Purpose?
Definition:
– Meaning: Meaning refers to what is meant or conveyed by an action, word, or concept.
– Purpose: Purpose refers to the reason for which something is done.
Interchangeability:
– Meaning: Meaning can be used interchangeably with purpose when it refers to the worth of something.
– Purpose: Purpose is sometimes used interchangeably with meaning.
Grammatical Categories:
– Meaning: Meaning is a noun.
– Purpose: Purpose is a noun, but it is also used as a verb in formal language.
Key Takeaways
- Meaning refers to what is meant or conveyed by an action, word, or concept, while purpose refers to the reason for which something is done.
- Meaning and purpose can sometimes be used interchangeably when referring to the worth of something, but they cannot always be considered synonyms.
- While both meaning and purpose are nouns, purpose can also be used as a verb in formal language.
