* Literal meaning: The dictionary definition of words used.
* Implied meaning: Understanding the unspoken intentions and emotions behind the words.
* Context: Considering the situation, the relationship between speaker and listener, and any prior knowledge they share.
* Nonverbal cues: Recognizing body language, tone of voice, facial expressions, and other nonverbal signals.
* Cultural background: Understanding how cultural norms and values influence the interpretation of the message.
Essentially, the listener actively constructs meaning based on all these factors, rather than passively receiving only the spoken words. This process is complex and involves multiple cognitive processes, including:
* Attention: Focusing on the relevant information and filtering out distractions.
* Memory: Retrieving relevant knowledge and experiences from the past.
* Inference: Filling in missing information and drawing conclusions.
* Emotion: Recognizing and responding to the emotional content of the message.
Therefore, "meaning altogether" signifies a holistic comprehension of the message, incorporating all these elements to form a complete and nuanced understanding in the listener's mind.