mean

To express a particular idea or message.

• What does this word mean?
• A red light means stop.
• Those two phrases mean the same thing.

How to use it: mean something (This symbol means danger.); what does something mean? (What does this sign mean?)

Similar words: signify, stand for

Common phrases: mean something, what does something mean, mean the same

To express an idea or show that something is true or likely.

• What does this sign mean?
• Those dark clouds could mean rain.
• The red light means danger.

How to use it: mean that… (A flashing light means that the battery is low.)

Similar words: signify, indicate

Common phrases: mean something, mean trouble

To have good or harmful intentions when doing something.

• She means well, even when her advice is annoying.
• I meant no harm by my question.
• Do you think he means us any harm?

How to use it: mean well (He means well, but he often causes problems.); mean someone harm (I never meant you any harm.)

Similar words: intend

Common phrases: mean well, mean no harm, mean someone harm

Unkind or cruel to other people.

• That was a mean thing to say.
• Why are you being mean to me?
• The other children made mean jokes about him.

How to use it: mean to someone (She was mean to her little brother.)

Similar words: unkind, nasty, cruel

Opposites: kind

Common phrases: mean person, mean to someone, mean remark

Unwilling to spend money or share what you have.

• He is too mean to leave a tip.
• She was always mean with her money.
• Do not be mean about sharing the biscuits.

How to use it: mean with something (He is mean with his money.)

Similar words: stingy, tightfisted

Opposites: generous

Common phrases: mean with money, mean about tips

Poor in quality, appearance, or living conditions.

• They lived in a mean little hut.
• His mean clothes offered little protection from the cold.
• Behind the palace stood several mean dwellings.

Similar words: poor, shabby, inferior

Common phrases: mean dwelling, mean appearance, mean clothes

The total of several numbers divided by how many numbers there are.

• The mean of four and six is five.
• We calculated the mean of all the scores.
• The two groups had different means.

How to use it: mean of something (The mean of these five numbers is twelve.)

Similar words: average

Common phrases: arithmetic mean, calculate the mean, mean score

A method used to achieve a result.

• He sought a mean to secure their release.
• They considered every mean available to achieve peace.
• No honest mean could bring about that result.

Similar words: method, way

Common phrases: a useful mean, every available mean