the literal meaning 字面意思(名词)

The literal meaning of "telephone" is "far-away sound". telephone的字面意思是“远处的声音”。

The word has a metaphorical as well as a literal meaning. 这个单词除了字面意思还有一层比喻意思。

the conveyance of meaning 表达意思（名词）/ convey meaning 表达意思（动词）

Facial expressions are part of the conveyance of meaning. 面部表情也是在表达意思。

We convey meaning not only by our words but also by our actions. 我不仅靠语言来表达意思，也通过行为来表达意思。