Definition of mean
(Entry 1 of 4)
1a
: to have in the mind as a purpose : intend
she means to win
—sometimes used interjectionally with I, chiefly in informal speech for emphasis he throws, I mean, hard or to introduce a phrase restating the point of a preceding phrase we try to answer what we can, but I mean we're not God— Bobbie Ann Mason
b
: to design for or destine to a specified purpose or future
I was meant to teach
3
: to have importance to the degree of
health means everything
4
: to direct to a particular individual
His criticism was meant for all of us.
: to have an intended purpose
he means well
mean business
: to be in earnest
mean
adjective (1)Definition of mean (Entry 2 of 4)
2
: lacking in mental discrimination : dull
3a
: of poor, shabby, or 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
a mean motive
b
: characterized by petty selfishness or malice
a mean surly man
c
: causing trouble or bother : vexatious
a mean soil to work
6
: ashamed sense 1b
His ready cooperation made me feel mean for what I had said.
mean
adjective (2)Definition of mean (Entry 3 of 4)
1
: occupying a middle position : intermediate in space, order, time, kind, or degree
3
: serving as a means : intermediary
mean
nounDefinition of mean (Entry 4 of 4)
1a(1)
: something intervening or intermediate
(2)
: a middle point between extremes
b
: a value that lies within a range of values and is computed according to a prescribed law: such as
(1)
: arithmetic mean
(2)
: expected value
c
: either of the middle two terms of a proportion
2
means plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: something useful or helpful to a desired end
3
means plural
: resources available for disposal
especially
: material resources affording a secure life
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for mean
The first known use of mean was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century