noun
1.
the idea that something conveys to the mind
critics have endlessly debated the meaning of the poem
Synonyms: acceptation, import, intendment, intent, message, purport, sense, significance, significancy, signification, sum and substance, understanding; compare substance 2, tenor 1
Related Word: drift, effect, essence, tenor; force, point, value; hint, implication, intimation, suggestion; connotation, definition, denotation
2.
Synonyms: intention , animus, design, intendment, intent, plan, purpose