mean

//miːn//
A2Frequency Level 2Neutral
Visual representation of mean

Verb

meanInfinitive
meanPresent tense
meantPast tense
meantPast participle
meaningPresent participle
meansThird-person singular
1

To intend to convey or indicate; to signify or represent.

What does this word mean?

2

To have as a purpose or intention; to intend.

I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.

3

To have importance or significance to someone.

Your friendship means a lot to me.

Adjective

meanerComparative
meanestSuperlative
1

Unkind, spiteful, or unfair in behavior or treatment toward others.

Don't be mean to your little sister.

2

Vicious or aggressive in temperament (especially of animals).

Watch out for that dog - he can be mean.

Noun

meanSingular
meansPlural
1

The average value of a set of numbers, calculated by adding them together and dividing by the count.

The mean of 2, 4, and 6 is 4.

2

A method or course of action used to achieve a result.

We must find a means to solve this problem.

Synonym

Adjective

meanerComparative
meanestSuperlative
1

Poor in quality or appearance; shabby or inferior.

They lived in a mean little apartment with broken furniture.