The meanings of mean

The verb “mean” has various meanings in a wide range of contexts. Consider the following:

(1) Smoke means fire.

(2) Red light means stopping.

(3) A handshake and an embrace mean the same thing.

(4) What does she mean by that wink?

(5) What does democracy mean?

(6) What does “Publish or Perish!” mean?

(7) --Are you hungry?

--Do you mean to treat me to dinner now?

(8) She means well although her remarks are too harsh to accept.

The meaning of mean in (1)--(4) and in (5)--(8) can be divided into two groups, namely non-linguistic meanings and linguistic meanings. In (1), the connection is natural. In (2) and (3), the meanings are conventional. In (4), the meaning is intentional.

While the meanings of mean in (5)--(8) are all linguistic, further distinction can be made terms of conventionality and intentionality. In (5) and (6), the meanings are conventional, while in (7) and (8), intentional.

Definition of semantics

Semantics is defined as the study of meaning. However, it is not the only linguistic discipline that studies meaning. Semantics answers the question “what does this sentence mean”. In other words, it is the analysis of conventional meanings in words and sentences out of context.