the meaning of them vs the meaning behind them

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'The meaning of them' is used when referring to the literal interpretation or definition of something, while 'the meaning behind them' is used when referring to the deeper or hidden significance or intention of something.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1416 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to the literal interpretation or definition of something.

"the meaning of them"

This phrase is used when you want to talk about the literal meaning or definition of something. It is straightforward and direct.

Examples:

I don't understand the meaning of them.
Can you explain the meaning of them to me?

Show examples from the web [+]

Any words following the words 'include', 'includes', 'including', 'in particular' or any similar words or expressions shall be construed without limitation and accordingly shall not limit the meaning of the words preceding them;
He has Inst the meaning of life.
The mixture is dangerous within the meaning of Directive 67/548/EEC.
A degree in the meaning of meaning.
Now you know the meaning of "stage-fright".
It seems like no one around here understands the meaning of loyalty.
I demand to know the meaning of this intrusion.
Let's debate the meaning of every word I say.
At least someone knows the meaning of family.
This wording clarifies and spells out the meaning of the Commission text.
Frankly, I'm closer to solving the meaning of life.
Mr. Brooder just educated two Mexicans on the meaning of manifest destiny.
I thought the meaning of people was somewhere in here.
That's not the meaning of Christmas.
My agents understand that those files may contain information that we don't necessarily know the meaning of.
Future generations will only remember that the meaning of the word Pazzi... is madmen.
Like you, he was preoccupied with the meaning of life.
I have discovered the meaning of the giant hand.
You know, he twisted the meanings of my posters all around.
Our kids understand the meaning of Christmas.

Alternatives:

the meaning of those
their meaning
what they mean
the definition of them
the interpretation of them

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to the deeper or hidden significance or intention of something.

"the meaning behind them"

This phrase is used when you want to talk about the deeper or hidden significance or intention of something. It implies that there is more to something than what is immediately apparent.

Examples:

I wonder about the meaning behind them.
She always tries to understand the meaning behind them.

Show examples from the web [+]

Unraveling the meaning behind the Sphinx requires examining its eroded face.
When you have a mentor, you understand the meaning behind their words.
This does not however seem to be the meaning behind the proposals approved yesterday by the Committee on Budgets.
And he was sure that, if he did what the dream told him to do... he would understand the meaning behind everything.
This is therefore an issue that concerns us, too, and that is the meaning behind the amendments, which I hope will be adopted.
That is the meaning behind the amendment that we have tabled on behalf of the Independence and Democracy Group.
This is my maiden speech and I felt that I should be ill at ease with the meaning behind that thought.
We all look for meaning behind the tragedies that befall us.
Well, I like stories with a meaning behind it.
There was no flirtatious meaning behind that playful punch I gave your arm.
there is meaning behind every little thing.
I decided to name my kids after flowers Do you know the meaning behind "Sakura"?
Nabil, you must try to understand what the meaning behind all of that is
What is the meaning behind the report which the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Protection is proposing?
There was no meaning behind what anyone said, because there was no meaning behind my parents' death.
But even Freud said that there's meaning behind every joke... except for the one about the restaurant on the moon.
Otherwise you wouldn't put an alternate meaning behind everything you say.
I mean, people search for reason or meaning behind events in their lives... ...when, more often than not, there is none.
Now, every hula move has a meaning behind it
Indeed, this reference is not a contribution to the clerical concerns of certain social groups but the historical memory of the truest meaning behind our institutions.

Alternatives:

the significance of them
the intention behind them
the deeper meaning of them
the hidden meaning of them
the underlying meaning of them

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the meaning of them vs the meaning behind them