Collocation Dictionary

Try "happy" or "love"

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Common collocations with meaning in American Collocation

meaning noun

US /ˈminɪŋ/

basic

basic
literal
ordinary
original
plain

The words have a literal meaning that we can easily understand.

hidden or deep

deep
hidden
inner
metaphorical

There are quite a few possible hidden meanings to this film.

when words are not used in their normal meaning

figurative
metaphorical
symbolic

Some words have both literal and metaphorical meanings, for example ‘to hammer’.

more than one

double
multiple

The project aims to cast new light on the multiple meanings of democracy.

clear

clear

He didn’t express himself too well, but the meaning was clear. He did not want to come with us.

exact

exact
precise

You must give the precise meaning of what you are being asked.

true

actual
intended
real
true

The real meaning of Christmas is so much more evident in a smaller community.

same or different

different
same

Sometimes different words will carry the same meaning.

give meaning

ascribe
assign
attach
give

There may be more than one symbolic meaning attached to the lighthouse in the novel.

have or get meaning

acquire
get
have
take on

Viewed from this perspective, the issues take on a whole new meaning.

find meaning

discover
find

Held your children to find the meanings of words by showing them how to use a dictionary efficiently.

understand meaning

catch
decipher
determine
get
grasp
guess
infer
understand

The dog must be able to understand the meaning of the word ‘no’.

explain meaning

clarify
define
explain
interpret

The draft policy guidance is also welcome in that it helps to clarify the meaning of social inclusion.

communicate meaning

communicate
convey
express

In art, images need to be read and understood if they are to communicate their meaning.