What is the difference between sentence meaning and utterance meaning? give examples?

Sentence meaning refers to the literal meaning of a sentence, while utterance meaning refers to the meaning conveyed by a specific utterance of that sentence in a particular context.

For example, the sentence "It's cold in here" has a sentence meaning of stating that the temperature is low. However, the utterance meaning can vary depending on the context in which it is said. If said with a shivering tone and while rubbing one's arms, the utterance meaning could be a request to turn up the heat. If said with a sarcastic tone, the utterance meaning could be a complaint about the temperature.

Another example is the sentence "I'm fine." The sentence meaning is a statement of well-being, but the utterance meaning can vary depending on the context and tone in which it is said. If said with a cheerful tone, the utterance meaning could be genuine contentment. If said with a flat tone and avoiding eye contact, the utterance meaning could be a polite dismissal of further inquiry into one's well-being.

Sentence Meaning vs. Utterance Meaning

Sentence Meaning:

- The literal meaning of a sentence, based on its grammatical structure and vocabulary.
- Remains the same regardless of the context or speaker's intent.

Example: "The cat sat on the mat."

Utterance Meaning:

- The specific meaning conveyed by a sentence in a particular context and by a specific speaker.
- Can vary depending on the speaker's tone, gestures, purpose, and the situation.

Example:

- Utterance: "The cat sat on the mat."
- Sentence Meaning: A cat is sitting on a mat.
- Utterance Meaning: Could be:
- A factual statement about the cat's location.
- A sarcastic remark about someone's laziness.
- A warning to keep away from the cat.

Key Differences:

- Context-dependence: Sentence meaning is fixed, while utterance meaning is context-dependent.
- Speaker's intent: Utterance meaning considers the speaker's purpose and intentions, while sentence meaning does not.
- Additional information: Utterance meaning can include implied or inferred information based on the context and the speaker's non-verbal cues.

Examples:

- Sentence Meaning: "I am going to the library."
- Utterance Meaning:
- Speaker A: Stating a fact about their plan.
- Speaker B: Making a request for assistance.
- Sentence Meaning: "It is a nice day."
- Utterance Meaning:
- Speaker A: Expressing an opinion about the weather.
- Speaker B: Offering a hint that they want to go for a walk.