GIVEN

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does given mean? 

• GIVEN (noun)
  The noun GIVEN has 1 sense:

1. an assumption that is taken for granted

  Familiarity information: GIVEN used as a noun is very rare.

• GIVEN (adjective)
  The adjective GIVEN has 2 senses:

1. acknowledged as a supposition

2. (usually followed by 'to') naturally disposed toward

  Familiarity information: GIVEN used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• GIVEN (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

An assumption that is taken for granted

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Synonyms:

given; precondition; presumption

Hypernyms ("given" is a kind of...):

assumption; supposal; supposition (a hypothesis that is taken for granted)

Derivation:

given (acknowledged as a supposition)

• GIVEN (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Acknowledged as a supposition

Synonyms:

given; granted

Context example:

given the engine's condition, it is a wonder that it started

Similar:

acknowledged (recognized or made known or admitted)

Derivation:

given (an assumption that is taken for granted)

givenness (the quality of being granted as a supposition; of being acknowledged or assumed)

Sense 2

Meaning:

(usually followed by 'to') naturally disposed toward

Synonyms:

apt; disposed; given; minded; tending

Context example:

I am not minded to answer any questions

Similar:

inclined ((often followed by 'to') having a preference, disposition, or tendency)

 Context examples 

In his case a trailer of ivy had given way under his weight, and we saw by the light of a lantern the mark on the lawn where his heels had come down.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

But I have been seated quietly in my chair, and what clues can I have given you?

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very meanly of me.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I wish you had been there, my dear, to have given him one of your set-downs.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

In build and coat and brush he was a huge timber-wolf; but the lie was given to his wolfhood by his color and marking.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

His hand sought Ruth's hand beside him hidden by the table, and a warm pressure was given and received.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

Given at our palace at Belfaborac, the twelfth day of the ninety-first moon of our reign.

(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)

If you are a producer or editor, you will be given an opportunity to share ideas with the creator to shape the show or manuscript you are working on.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

Even the big beating given him in his puppyhood by Grey Beaver was mild compared with this.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

His hair and whiskers were blacker and thicker, looked at so near, than even I had given them credit for being.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)