Definition: the pervading meaning or tenor
Usage: caught the general drift of the conversation
Definition: the general meaning or substance of an utterance
Usage: although I disagreed with him I could follow the tenor of his argument
Synonyms: spirit, intent, purport
Definition: the intended meaning of a communication
Similar words: significance, signification, meaning, import
Definition: the message that is intended or expressed or signified
Usage: what is the meaning of this sentence; the significance of a red traffic light; the signification of Chinese characters; the import of his announcement was ambiguous
Synonyms: propose, purport, purpose, aim
Definition: propose or intend
Usage: I aim to arrive at noon
Similar words: intend, think, mean
Definition: have in mind as a purpose
Usage: I mean no harm; I only meant to help you; She didn't think to harm me; We thought to return early that night
Synonyms: purport
Definition: have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or claiming
Usage: The letter purports to express people's opinion
Similar words: claim
Definition: assert or affirm strongly; state to be true or existing
Usage: He claimed that he killed the burglar