FluencyCraft

mean

"Mean" is a wonderfully common English word with several important meanings. You will encounter it as a verb, an adjective, and even a noun. Here are the most useful senses to know.

1verbto signify or express

When a word, sign, or action 'means' something, it carries that idea or message. Think of it as the connection between a word and its idea — 'chat' means 'to talk in a relaxed way'.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

What does the word 'ambiguous' mean?

A red traffic light means you must stop.

When she said 'fine', she didn't mean she was happy — she was upset.

2verbto intend

When you 'mean' to do something, you plan or intend to do it. It is about your purpose or goal behind an action.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

I didn't mean to hurt your feelings — I'm sorry.

He meant to call you, but he forgot.

Did you mean to send that email to everyone?

3adjectiveunkind or cruel

If someone is 'mean', they are unkind, rude, or hurtful toward others. It is the opposite of being kind or generous.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

Don't be mean to your little sister — she's only trying to help.

He said something really mean and made her cry.

It was mean of them to leave her out of the game.

4adjectivenot willing to share (stingy)

In British English especially, 'mean' can describe someone who does not like spending money or sharing things — what some people call 'stingy' or 'tight'.

everyday language, British English · Modern, widely used

He's so mean — he never buys anyone a gift.

Don't be mean with the sugar; I like my coffee sweet.

She has plenty of money but she's too mean to spend it.

5nounaverage (mathematics)

In maths, the 'mean' is the average of a set of numbers. You add all the numbers together and then divide by how many numbers there are.

mathematics, science · Modern, widely used

The mean of 4, 6, and 8 is 6.

To find the mean score, add all the results and divide by the number of students.

The mean temperature in July is higher than in January.

Content generated by AI — may contain inaccuracies