VirianLexicon:meaning
Meaning
- Actual or objective effect. Meaning is dependent on context; the same thing can have different meanings in different contexts because the context determines the effect. The meaning of an event is the effect it has on future events. The meaning of a spoken or written word is the effect it has on its audience.
- Intended effect. The intended effect of a written word or speech act is usually to induce a specific cognitive state in the mind of the audience.
