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To signify or convey an object or idea
“The refrigerator is almost empty, which will mean I have to go shopping for groceries again.”
To have intentions for a given outcome
“Cersei and Jaime probably didn't mean to have kids, but that's how it happened to pan out.”
(usually used in past participle form) To design or destine for a particular purpose
“The provision which I mean for him will be a humble one, and he will need to rely upon his own efforts.”
To have as a consequence or result
“The expected boom in the economy will mean greater prosperity for everyone.”
To have as a necessity due to a given circumstance
“The impending deadline will mean us having to work harder than ever to meet it.”
To be important (to)
“It would mean a lot to me if you agreed to be my bridesmaid at my wedding.”
To foretell based on available information
“When the clouds are dark and heavy, that will mean an approaching storm.”
To have significance or be influential in a matter or decision
To suggest or indicate something indirectly or covertly
To claim or profess to be or to appear to be or do something
Having an unkind or spiteful character or nature
“Everyone in school was mean to Hannah except for Clay who was a nice guy.”
(especially of a place) Poor in quality and appearance
“Real-estate prices were high, and the couple could only afford a mean apartment on the rough side of town.”
Inferior in standard or capacity
“He was a man of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper.”
Of low birth or social class
“Jon was outwardly a man of mean birth, yet commanded the respect of all before him.”
Very high in quality
“He sure knows how to make a mean steak.”
Showing a high level of skill or expertise
“Kanye is certainly a mean wordsmith, arguably better than Marshall.”
Contemptible in nature
“Pulling the chair out from under him was a really mean thing to do.”
(chiefly Britain) Unwilling to give or share, especially with money
“The waiters would always grumble about mean customers who were stingy with tips.”
(of a quantity) Calculated as a mean or average
“Tropical climates have a mean temperature that is higher than that found in polar climates.”
Feeling irritable, bad-tempered, or grumpy
Average to middling in quality
Vulgar or indecent in nature or quality
(of a person, action, or motive) Making decisions based solely on one's own self-interest or personal profit
Of little value or importance
Exercising power in a cruel or arbitrary way
Requiring or using great effort or exertion
Disorderly and disruptive and not amenable to discipline or control
Stubbornly, and usually unreasonably, holding to an opinion, decision or purpose
Sick or unwell in health
Physically ill or weakened
Having or showing opinions that are rigid or limited in scope of consideration
Crass or boisterous in nature or manner
Determined or passionate in one's beliefs, interests or endeavors
A state equally removed from two opposite extremes
“Based on your moderate level of physical activity, you will need to find a mean between going too low, and too high, on carbohydrates.”
A standard or rule by which others follow or are judged
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