Meaningful Meaning
/ˈmiː.nɪŋ.fl̩/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjHaving meaning, significant.
Sentence Examples
In the main, I am in favor of political reform if meaningful changes are made.
She gave me a meaningful look.
He regards women as disposable pleasures rather than as meaningful pursuits.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The speaker's words were not just empty talk; they were ____ and touched everyone's hearts.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The teacher tried to make the lesson more ____ by using real-life examples that students could relate to.
Word Origin & History
From meaning + -ful.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
""This baby is the one that counts. I dare say Polly here wouldn't want any other, would you, Polly?"
"This baby, this baby," said Polly.
Wolcott gave Peter Horn a meaningful look. Horn interpreted it correctly. This baby or no more Polly ever again. This baby or Polly would be in a quiet room somewhere staring into space for the rest of her life."
— 1948, Ray Bradbury, Tomorrow's Child:
"But the Danes remained resolute in defence - largely thanks to a spirited display by captain Daniel Agger - and they went ahead with their first meaningful attack."
— 2012 June 9, Owen Phillips, “Euro 2012: Netherlands 0-1 Denmark”, in BBC Sport, archived from the original on 09 Sep 2025:
"They viewed the power shift and diversity as a symbolic but meaningful rebuke of the Islamophobic rhetoric that was a central theme of then Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s campaign."
— 2023 June 17, Tom Perkins, “‘A sense of betrayal’: liberal dismay as Muslim-led US city bans Pride flags”, in The Guardian, archived from the original on 10 Aug 2023:
"In setting out a broad-brush approach, the Arriva-owned operator doesn't make any specific requirements, but it says the replacement trains "must achieve a meaningful reduction in the exhaust emissions and exterior noise levels compared to Chiltern's existing DMUs"."
— 2023 August 23, Mel Holley, “Network News: ... while Chiltern Railways targets low-emissions stock”, in RAil, number 990, page 7:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The speaker's words were not just empty talk; they were ____ and touched everyone's hearts.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The teacher tried to make the lesson more ____ by using real-life examples that students could relate to.