mean
mean
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "mean" is /miːn/.
/miːn/
Word Form Variations
Verb: mean (base form), means (third person singular present), meaning (present participle), meant (past simple, past participle)
Adjective: mean (positive), meaner (comparative), meanest (superlative)
Noun: mean (singular), means (plural - typically used in the sense of "method" or "resources")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
Definition 1: To intend to convey, indicate, or refer to (a particular idea or object); to signify.
Synonyms: signify, denote, indicate, express, imply, represent
Antonyms: misunderstand, misinterpret, obscure, hide, belie
Definition 2: To have (something) as one's intention or purpose; to plan.
Synonyms: intend, plan, propose, aim, purpose, contemplate
Antonyms: unintentional, unplanned, accidental, spontaneous
Definition 3: To result in; to involve as a consequence.
Synonyms: entail, involve, necessitate, result in, lead to, amount to
Antonyms: prevent, avoid, preclude, avert
Definition 4: To be of a specified importance to (someone).
Synonyms: matter, signify, be important to, be valuable to
Antonyms: be unimportant to, be irrelevant to, not matter to
Adjective
Definition 1: Unkind, malicious, or unfair; unpleasant.
Synonyms: unkind, cruel, malicious, nasty, vicious, ill-tempered, spiteful
Antonyms: kind, generous, nice, benevolent, good-natured, compassionate
Definition 2: (Of a person or animal) Vicious or aggressive in behavior.
Synonyms: aggressive, fierce, ferocious, dangerous, savage, hostile
Antonyms: gentle, docile, harmless, mild, friendly
Definition 3: Of poor quality or low standard; inferior.
Synonyms: inferior, poor, low-grade, miserable, paltry, shabby
Antonyms: excellent, superior, high-quality, lavish, grand
Definition 4: (Informal, especially American English) Excellent; very good (often used ironically or emphatically).
Synonyms: excellent, superb, formidable, impressive, skillful
Antonyms: terrible, poor, unskillful, mediocre
Definition 5: (Of a number or value) Constituting a mathematical average.
Synonyms: average, median, middle, central
Antonyms: extreme, maximum, minimum, outlier
Noun
Definition 1: The statistical average of a set of values, calculated by dividing the sum of the values by their number.
Synonyms: average, median, midpoint, norm, standard
Antonyms: extreme, maximum, minimum, deviation
Definition 2: (Plural "means") A method, instrument, or process used to achieve an end.
Synonyms: method, way, manner, technique, process, approach, recourse
Antonyms: end (as in end vs. means), obstacle, hindrance, impediment
Definition 3: (Plural "means") Resources, especially financial resources.
Synonyms: resources, wealth, income, funds, capital, assets
Antonyms: poverty, destitution, lack, impecuniousness
Examples of Use
Books:
"He didn't mean to hurt her feelings; his words were spoken in haste, not malice." (Fictional example from a dramatic novel)
"The philosopher argued that true freedom does not mean the absence of rules, but the ability to choose one's own rules." (From a non-fiction book on philosophy or political theory)
"The creature had a mean look in its eyes, promising trouble to anyone who dared approach." (Fictional example from a fantasy or horror novel)
Newspapers:
"What does the new tax bill mean for small businesses in Kenya? An expert analysis." ("Business Daily Africa,")
"The average temperature in July is expected to reach the annual mean of 25 degrees Celsius." ("The Standard,")
"The politician’s recent comments were criticized as mean-spirited and divisive by opposition leaders." ("Daily Nation,")
Online Publications:
"The rise of AI doesn't necessarily mean the end of human jobs; it could create new opportunities." (An article on a tech news site, e.g., TechCrunch)
"How to deal with a mean boss: Strategies for managing a difficult supervisor." (An article on a career advice blog, e.g., The Muse)
"Our new report calculates the mean income for households in Nairobi, providing insights into economic disparities." (A data analysis piece on a research website, e.g., World Bank Data)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "You can't handle the truth!" (Jack Nicholson as Colonel Jessup in A Few Good Men, 1992) - This implies that the recipient is not strong enough to handle what the truth "means."
Television Series: "What do you mean, the portal is closing? We're still inside!" (Dialogue from a sci-fi or fantasy show, e.g., Stranger Things)
Song Lyrics: "You're just a big, mean dog, barking up the wrong tree." (From a blues or rock song, describing an aggressive person)
Video Games: "Your actions will have consequences. Do you understand what that means for your quest?" (In-game dialogue from an NPC, e.g., The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we explore what it means to be truly resilient in the face of adversity." (A podcast on psychology or self-improvement, e.g., The Happiness Lab)
General Public Discourse:
"What do you mean by that?" (A common question asking for clarification)
"Don't be so mean to your little brother!" (A common admonition to children)
"This hot weather really means we need to stay hydrated." (A statement about a necessary consequence)
"I didn't mean to step on your foot, I'm so sorry!" (An apology for an unintentional action)
"The mean height of the basketball team is over 6 feet." (A factual statement using the statistical meaning)
"He's got a mean streak when he's angry." (Describing someone's unpleasant temperament)
10 Quotes Using Mean
"Just because I’m sassy and have a mouth on me doesn’t mean I’m coming from a negative place." – Kesha
"Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t. Same goes for being mean." – Margaret Thatcher
"I mean, I try to be as honest as I can and not come off as arrogant, mean or pompous." – Christina Aguilera
"Mean people suck, but the meanest are often hurting the most." – Robin Williams
"Freedom doesn’t mean the absence of all restrictions. It means possessing unshakable conviction in the face of any obstacle." – Paulo Coelho
"You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life." – Winston Churchill
"Don’t let someone else’s opinion of you become your reality. Just because they’re mean doesn’t mean they’re right." – Les Brown
"Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning." – Maya Angelou
"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see—and that doesn't mean it must be pleasant." – Edgar Degas
"I’m not mean. I’m honest. There’s a difference." – Simon Cowell
Etymology
The word "mean" has a rather interesting history because it comes from a few different Old English words, giving it its multiple modern meanings.
"Mean" as a Verb (to intend, to signify):
This comes from the Old English verb mænan, which meant "to signify," "to indicate," "to express," or "to tell about."
It also carried the sense of "to intend" or "to have in mind."
The first known use of "mean" in English with the meaning of "to intend to convey or signify" dates back to before the 9th century (Old English period). So, this is a very old and core meaning.
"Mean" as an Adjective (unkind, inferior):
This comes from a different Old English word, gemǣne (or mǣne).
This word had meanings like "common," "general," "shared," or "low in rank/quality." The sense of "low in quality" or "inferior" led to the later development of "mean" meaning "unkind" or "spiteful" (as in, "of low character").
The first known use of "mean" in English with the meaning of "low in quality or rank" dates back to before the 9th century as well. The "unkind" sense developed a bit later, around the 17th century.
"Mean" as a Noun (average):
This sense, particularly in mathematics, comes from the Old French word meien, meaning "middle." This was borrowed from the Latin word medianus, meaning "middle."
The noun "mean" referring to "the average" or "a middle point" entered English around the late 14th century.
So, "mean" is a great example of how words can have entirely separate family trees that merge into one form in modern English!
Phrases + Idioms Containing Mean
By all means: Certainly; definitely; of course.
By no means: Not at all; definitely not.
No mean feat: A significant achievement; not easy.
What do you mean?: A common question asking for clarification or explanation.
The means to an end: A method or way of achieving a goal.
Living within one's means: Spending no more money than one earns.
Beyond one's means: Too expensive or costly for one's financial resources.
Mean well: To have good intentions, even if the outcome is negative.
To mean business: To be serious and determined about something.
No mean anything to (someone): To be of no importance or value to someone.
Golden mean: The desirable middle ground between two extremes.
Mean streak: A tendency to be unkind or malicious.
Mean streets: Dangerous or impoverished urban areas.
Mean-spirited: Unkind, malicious, or petty.
To give someone the evil eye: To look at someone with malevolent intent. (Synonymous with "giving a mean look")
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of mean from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
