What does the term 'meant' refer to?

The term 'meant' primarily refers to what is intended or the intention behind an action or statement. In this context, it emphasizes the idea that a specific meaning or purpose was planned or aimed for by the speaker or doer.

When someone says something was 'meant' a certain way, they are indicating a deliberate intention behind their words or actions. This aligns directly with the definition of intended, as it captures the essence of purpose and deliberation that accompanies the use of the term 'meant.'

Other options, while close in nature, do not encapsulate the full breadth of a deliberate intention. The expected outcome, for example, refers more to what one anticipates happening rather than the intention behind an action. Similarly, perceived intention and understood purpose imply that the interpretation or understanding of intent may vary and may not necessarily reflect the original intended meaning. Therefore, the emphasis on ‘intended to do’ correctly captures the essence of what 'meant' conveys in communication.