Meaning & use
meant for each other
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Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
Used to say that two people are perfectly suited to be together in a romantic relationship.
Grammar: Comes after the verb 'be' or 'seem': They are meant for each other. It is not used with other subjects like 'it' or 'they' (things).
Patterns
- be meant for each other
- seem meant for each other
- not be meant for each other
After fifty years of marriage, everyone could see that they were meant for each other.
My sister and her boyfriend seem meant for each other; they finish each other's sentences.
They broke up because they realized they weren't meant for each other.
Common combinations
- clearly meant for each other
- From the first date, they were clearly meant for each other.
- obviously meant for each other
- Everyone said the couple was obviously meant for each other.
- truly meant for each other
- I believe those two are truly meant for each other.
- not meant for each other
- It's sad, but they're just not meant for each other.
Synonyms and how they differ
- made for each other
- Very similar in meaning but slightly more informal; it stresses that the two people fit together perfectly, like a matched pair.
- a perfect match
- Focuses on compatibility rather than fate; it can also be used for business partners or teams, not just romantic couples.
- soulmates
- A noun for two people who are ideally suited; it is stronger and more romantic than the phrase 'meant for each other'.
Commonly confused: meant for each other or meant for something?
meant for each other vs meant for something
This different phrase means 'intended for a purpose or person': This gift is meant for you. The phrase 'meant for each other' is only about romantic suitability.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'meant for each other' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The phrase describes two people who are perfectly suited romantically. Option B fits because it talks about a married couple. Option An is wrong because it uses objects (chairs), not people. Option C is grammatically wrong ('I am meant for each other' mixes singular and plural). Option D is wrong for the same reason as A: it uses objects.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “meant for each other”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.