Transcription
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
-
- [meen]
- /min/
- /miːn/
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [meen]
- /min/
Definitions of mean word
- verb with object mean to intend for a particular purpose, destination, etc.: They were meant for each other. Synonyms: destine, foreordain. 1
- verb with object mean to intend to express or indicate: What do you mean by “liberal”? 1
- verb with object mean to have as its sense or signification; signify: The word “freedom” means many things to many people. Synonyms: denote, indicate; import, imply, connote. 1
- verb with object mean to bring, cause, or produce as a result: This bonus means that we can take a trip to Florida. 1
- verb with object mean to have (certain intentions) toward a person: He didn't mean you any harm. 1
- verb with object mean to have the value of; assume the importance of: Money means everything to them. She means the world to him. 1
Information block about the term
Origin of mean
First appearance:
before 900 One of the 4% oldest English words
before 900; Middle English menen, Old English mǣnan; cognate with German meinen, Dutch meenen
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Mean
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
mean popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 100% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".
mean usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for mean
verb mean
- represent — to present again or anew.
- suggest — to mention or introduce (an idea, proposition, plan, etc.) for consideration or possible action: The architect suggested that the building be restored.
- spell — a continuous course or period of work or other activity: to take a spell at the wheel.
- say — assay.
- portend — to indicate in advance; to foreshadow or presage, as an omen does: The street incident may portend a general uprising.
adjective mean
- miserly — of, like, or befitting a miser; penurious; stingy; niggardly.
- stingy — having a sting.
- niggardly — reluctant to give or spend; stingy; miserly.
- tightfisted — parsimonious; stingy; tight.
- parsimonious — characterized by or showing parsimony; frugal or stingy.
noun mean
- norm — a standard, model, or pattern.
- midpoint — a point at or near the middle of, or equidistant from, both ends, as of a line: the midpoint of a boundary.
- balance — If you balance something somewhere, or if it balances there, it remains steady and does not fall.
- centre — A centre is a building where people have meetings, take part in a particular activity, or get help of some kind.
- center — a point equally distant from all points on the circumference of a circle or surface of a sphere
adverb mean
- beastly — If you describe something as beastly, you mean that it is very unpleasant.
Antonyms for mean
verb mean
- ignore — to refrain from noticing or recognizing: to ignore insulting remarks.
- deny — When you deny something, you state that it is not true.
- refuse — to decline to accept (something offered): to refuse an award.
- neglect — to pay no attention or too little attention to; disregard or slight: The public neglected his genius for many years.
adjective mean
- generous — liberal in giving or sharing; unselfish: a generous patron of the arts; a generous gift.
- kind — of a good or benevolent nature or disposition, as a person: a kind and loving person.
- extreme — Reaching a high or the highest degree; very great.
- comfortable — If a piece of furniture or an item of clothing is comfortable, it makes you feel physically relaxed when you use it, for example because it is soft.
- compassionate — If you describe someone or something as compassionate, you mean that they feel or show pity, sympathy, and understanding for people who are suffering.
noun mean
- extremity — The furthest point or limit of something.
- border — The border between two countries or regions is the dividing line between them. Sometimes the border also refers to the land close to this line.
- margin — the space around the printed or written matter on a page.
- outside — the outer side, surface, or part; exterior: The outside of the house needs painting.
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