Main Entry:

²mean

Pronunciation:

\ˈmēn\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English mene, from imene common, shared, from Old English gemǣne; akin to Old High German gimeini common, Latin communis common, munus service, gift, Sanskrit mayate he exchanges

Date:

14th century

1: lacking distinction or eminence : humble2: lacking in mental discrimination : dull3 a: of poor shabby 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 : base5 a: penurious, stingy b: characterized by petty selfishness or malice c: causing trouble or bother : vexatious d: excellent, effective <plays a mean trumpet> <a lean, mean athlete>6: ashamed 1b

— mean·ness \ˈmēn-nəs\ noun

synonyms mean, ignoble, abject, sordid mean being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity. mean suggests having such repellent characteristics as small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity <mean and petty satire>. ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit <an ignoble scramble after material possessions>. abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility <abject poverty>. sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness <a sordid story of murder and revenge>.