mean1
v.
(past and past part. meant)
- intend to convey or refer to.
▸(of a word) have as its signification in the same language or its equivalent in another language.
▸
(mean something to)
be of a specified degree of importance to.
- intend to occur or be the case.
▸
(be meant to do something)
be supposed to do something.
▸
(often be meant for)
design or destine for a particular purpose.
▸
(mean something by)
have as a motive or excuse in explanation.
- have as a consequence or result.
Phrase
- mean business
be in earnest. - mean well
have good intentions, but not always carry them out.
Etymology
OE mænan, of W. Gmc origin.
mean2
adj.
- chiefly Brit. unwilling to give or share things, especially money.
- unkind or unfair.
▸N. Amer. vicious or aggressive.
- poor in quality and appearance.
▸(of a person's mental ability) inferior.
- dated of low birth or social class.
- informal excellent.
Phrase
- no mean ——
very good of its kind: it was no mean feat.
Derivative
Etymology
ME (orig. in the sense ‘common to two or more persons’), shortening of OE gemæne, of Gmc origin.
mean3
n.
-
(also arithmetic mean)
the average of a set of quantities. See also geometric mean.
- a condition, quality, or course of action equally removed from two opposite extremes.
adj.
- calculated as a mean.
- equally far from two extremes.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. meien, from L. medianus (see median).