mean

verb

\ ˈmēn

meant\ ˈment

\; meaning\ ˈmē-niŋ

Definition of mean

(Entry 1 of 4)

transitive verb

1a : to have in the mind as a purpose : intend she means to win —sometimes used interjectionally with I, chiefly in informal speech for emphasis he throws, I mean, hard or to introduce a phrase restating the point of a preceding phrase we try to answer what we can, but I mean we're not God— Bobbie Ann Mason

b : to design for or destine to a specified purpose or future I was meant to teach

2 : to serve or intend to convey, show, or indicate : signify a red sky means rain

3 : to have importance to the degree of health means everything

4 : to direct to a particular individual His criticism was meant for all of us.

intransitive verb

: to have an intended purpose he means well

mean business

: to be in earnest

mean

adjective (1)

\ ˈmēn

Definition of mean (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : lacking distinction or eminence : humble

2 : lacking in mental discrimination : dull

3a : of poor, shabby, or inferior quality or status mean city streets

b : worthy of little regard : contemptible —often used in negative constructions as a term of praise no mean feat

4 : lacking dignity or honor : base a mean motive

5a : penurious, stingy He's very mean with his money.

b : characterized by petty selfishness or malice a mean surly man

c : causing trouble or bother : vexatious a mean soil to work

d : excellent, effective plays a mean trumpet a lean, mean athlete

6 : ashamed sense 1b His ready cooperation made me feel mean for what I had said.

mean

adjective (2)

\ ˈmēn

Definition of mean (Entry 3 of 4)

1 : occupying a middle position : intermediate in space, order, time, kind, or degree

2 : occupying a position about midway between extremes especially : being the mean of a set of values : average the mean temperature

3 : serving as a means : intermediary

mean

Definition of mean

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