Pronunciation

/miːn/

Definitions

Noun (n)

1. Average: A number that represents the middle value of a set of numbers; found by adding all the numbers together and dividing by the total count. Example: “The mean of these three numbers is 10.”
2. Intentions or purpose: The intended meaning or intention behind something, especially a person’s actions or words. Example: “Her intentions were noble, but her actions had unforeseen consequences.”
3. Arithmetic mean: In mathematics, it refers to the sum of a list of numbers divided by the count of numbers in the list.
4. Means: Resources or methods used to achieve something. Example: “They had no means to support themselves financially.”

Verb (v)

1. Meaning or intend: To convey or have a particular sense or significance. Example: “I didn’t mean to offend you with my comment.”
2. Average out: To calculate the average of several quantities. Example: “We need to mean out the test scores to determine the class average.”
3. Be characterized by: To typically exhibit a certain quality or feature. Example: “This harsh winter weather means cold temperatures and heavy snowfall.”

Adjective (adj)

1. Unkind or spiteful: Characterized by or displaying cruelty, unkindness, or ill will. Example: “His mean behavior towards animals upset everyone.”
2. Average: Being approximately equal to an average; medium. Example: “The mean temperature this month was lower than last year.”

Phrases

• “By means of”: Using or through the use of something. Example: “They achieved success by means of hard work and determination.”
• “To mean business”: To be serious about one’s intentions or goals. Example: “When he said he would quit, he meant business.”
• “To mean well”: To have good intentions even if the outcome isn’t ideal. Example: “Although her advice wasn’t helpful, she meant well.”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The teacher calculated the mean of the students’ grades.”
• Verb: “I don’t mean to sound rude, but your music is too loud.”
• Adjective: “The mean streets of the city were not safe at night.”

Synonyms

• As a verb: intend, signify, denote, imply, suggest
• As an adjective (unpleasant): cruel, nasty, malicious, unkind, spiteful
• As an adjective (average): average, median, midpoint, norm, standard