mean
English meaning: Mean
Definition
To intend something, or to have a particular meaning or significance.
Example
“What does this unusual word mean, and how would you use it in a normal sentence?”
Another example: “I didn't mean to upset you; it just came out the wrong way.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Base form of the verb 'mean' (to intend or signify), as in 'What do you mean?'. As an adjective, 'mean' can mean unkind (informal) or, technically, average ('the mean value'). Very frequent.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old English 'mǣnan' (to intend, signify).
Related Words
- asphalt
- covariance
- variance
- deviation
- squared
- runway
- measuring
- curvature
- precipitation
- temperature
- arithmetic
- rainfall
Common Collocations
- mean it
- mean well
- mean business
- mean to say
- what do you mean
Word Forms
mean (v); meant; meant; meaning; meaningful (adj)
Word Tools
Tools & Calculators
15% of 200 = 30 · 15 is 7.5% of 200
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B