Mean
/miːn/
Definitions
6 meaningsTo intend to convey or express something.
/miːn/
To intend to express or refer to.
I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.
💡 Simply: When you say something, you 'mean' what you're trying to say, like when you say 'I mean to eat ice cream!' You are saying that's your intention.
👶 For kids: To say or show what you are thinking or wanting to say.
More Examples
What does this symbol mean?
He meant to call her yesterday.
How It's Used
"What do you mean by that?"
"The author means to convey a sense of isolation."
To have the purpose of achieving something.
/miːn/
To have as a purpose or intention.
She means to finish her work before going home.
💡 Simply: When you plan to do something, you 'mean' to do it, like 'I mean to watch that movie this weekend.' You are making a plan.
👶 For kids: To plan to do something.
More Examples
He meant to call you, but he forgot.
The program means to help underprivileged children.
How It's Used
"I didn't mean to upset you."
"The project means to solve the global warming issue."
Unkind or malicious.
/miːn/
Unkind or spiteful.
It was mean of him to say that.
💡 Simply: If someone is being a bit of a jerk, they're being 'mean.' Like, if they take your toy and laugh, they're being mean.
👶 For kids: Being unkind or not nice to people.
More Examples
Don't be mean to the cat.
She is a mean girl.
How It's Used
"It was mean of him to say that."
"He was being mean to his little sister."
(Informal) Excellent; skillful.
/miːn/
Excellent or impressive.
He's got a mean jump shot.
💡 Simply: Something 'mean' in slang means it's cool, impressive, or really good, like 'That's a mean bike!'
👶 For kids: Really good or cool.
More Examples
That's a mean bike you got there.
She's a mean cook, everything she makes is delicious.
How It's Used
"That's a mean car!"
"He's a mean guitarist."
The average value of a set of numbers.
/miːn/
The arithmetic average of a set of numbers.
The mean of the scores was 85.
💡 Simply: The 'mean' is like finding the average. Add all the numbers and divide by how many there are. It's the average!
👶 For kids: The number you get when you add up all the numbers and divide by how many there are.
More Examples
To find the mean, add all the numbers and divide by the total number of numbers.
The mean is the average number.
How It's Used
"The mean of 2, 4, and 6 is 4."
"Calculate the mean for the data set."
A method or way of doing something.
/miːn/
Something intended or used for a particular purpose.
They found a means to escape.
💡 Simply: A 'means' is like a way you can get something done or make it happen like a tool or a way to do a job.
👶 For kids: A way to do something.
More Examples
They had the means to travel.
The only means of transport.
How It's Used
"By what means did you achieve this?"
"This is a means of achieving the objective."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
by all means
Certainly; of course; without any problem.
""Can I borrow your pen?" "By all means.""
a means to an end
Something that is not important in itself but is useful in achieving a particular aim.
"He saw his job as a means to an end, a way to earn enough money to travel the world."
mean business
To be serious and determined.
"He means business when it comes to his work."
From Old English *mēnan* 'to intend, signify, think', from Proto-Germanic *mainijaną* 'to mean, intend'. Related to 'mind' and 'mention'.
The word 'mean' has been used for centuries with meanings related to intention, significance, and unkindness.
Memory tip
Picture a sign pointing to the intended direction or message.
Word Origin
"To intend, signify"