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 : humble
2 : lacking in mental discrimination : dull
3 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 : base
5 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>.