mean
mean Lexical Profile
mean Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Unkind, spiteful, or unfair toward others.
"It was mean of him to tease his younger sister about her drawing."
Calculated as a mathematical average, or occupying a middle position between two extremes.
"Scientists recorded a slight increase in the mean annual temperature across the region."
British Unwilling to give or share things, especially money; not generous.
"He has always been too mean to leave a proper tip at restaurants."
Informally, excellent, skillful, or impressive.
"Her grandfather still plays a mean game of chess at eighty years old."
Poor in quality and appearance; shabby or humble.
"The poet spent his final years living in a mean little cottage near the docks."
• verb
To intend to convey, indicate, or achieve something.
"I did not mean to interrupt your presentation earlier."
To convey, indicate, or refer to a particular idea, object, or definition (of a word, text, or symbol).
"The red flashing light means that the train is approaching the crossing."
To design or destine someone or something for a particular purpose (usually in the passive voice).
"This lightweight jacket was never meant for subzero winter weather."
To be of specified importance or value to someone.
"Your support during the project meant a great deal to the entire team."
To have as a logical consequence or result.
"Accepting the promotion will mean relocating to the Chicago office."
• noun
The value obtained by dividing the sum of several quantities by their number; a mathematical average.
"To find the arithmetic mean, add all the test scores together and divide by the number of students."
A condition, quality, or course of action that is equally removed from two opposite extremes.
"Aristotle argued that virtue lies in finding the golden mean between excess and deficiency."
Word Nuance & Usage
As an adjective, 'mean' primarily signifies 'unkind' or 'cruel' in North American English, whereas in British English it very frequently means 'stingy' or 'unwilling to share money.' Additionally, the plural noun 'means' (referring to a method or financial resources) often functions grammatically as either singular or plural depending on the sense.
• Rhymes for mean
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
'Mean' is a convergence of three distinct historical roots: the verb derives from Old English 'mænan' (to intend or signify); the pejorative adjective derives from Old English 'gemæne' (common, ordinary, or low in quality); and the mathematical noun and adjective derive via Old French 'meien' from Latin 'medianus' (in the middle).