1. Levels of Meaning:
* Lexical Meaning: The core, dictionary definition of a word (e.g., "cat" - a small, furry mammal).
* Sentence Meaning: The meaning conveyed by the grammatical structure and arrangement of words in a sentence. This includes the relationships between words and how they combine to express thoughts.
* Utterance Meaning: The meaning of a sentence in a particular context, taking into account factors like the speaker, listener, and situation. This can go beyond the literal meaning and incorporate things like sarcasm, irony, or implied meaning.
2. Types of Meaning:
* Denotation: The literal, objective meaning of a word. It's the dictionary definition.
* Connotation: The emotional, cultural, or subjective associations connected to a word. It's how the word makes us feel or what it suggests beyond its literal meaning.
* Figurative Language: Using words in non-literal ways, such as metaphor, simile, and hyperbole. This can enrich meaning and create vivid imagery.
3. Other Important Distinctions:
* Semantic Field: Words that share a common theme or concept (e.g., words related to color, emotions, or transportation).
* Synonymy: Words with similar meanings (e.g., "happy" and "joyful").
* Antonymy: Words with opposite meanings (e.g., "hot" and "cold").
* Polysemy: A word with multiple meanings (e.g., "bank" can refer to a financial institution or the edge of a river).
The "Three Kinds" You Might Be Thinking Of:
You may be thinking of a specific classification that doesn't have a universal standard. To give you a better answer, it would be helpful to know:
* What context are you learning about this in? (e.g., a specific textbook, class, or area of study)
* What examples are being used to explain these "three kinds"?
Once you clarify the context, I can help you understand the specific types of meaning being discussed.