meant to (be/do something)

phrase

1
: intended to (do or be something)
I was never meant to teach.
They knew as soon as they met that they were meant to be together.
I thought we could be friends, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be.
2
British : supposed to (be or do something)
The buses are meantto arrive every 15 minutes.
Brighton is meant to be very beautiful at this time of year.

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Cite this Entry

“Meant to (be/do something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meant%20to%20%28be%2Fdo%20something%29. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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