Langimage
English

Mean

|mean|

B1

/miːn/

(mean)

convey intention

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleComparativeSuperlativeNounNounVerbVerbVerbAdjectiveAdjectiveAdverb
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Etymology
Etymology Information

'Mean' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'mǣnan,' where 'mǣnan' meant 'to intend or signify.'

Historical Evolution

'Mǣnan' transformed into the Middle English word 'menen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'mean.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to intend or signify,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings, including 'unkind' and 'average.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the average value of a set of numbers.

The mean of the test scores was 75.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to convey or express a particular idea or concept.

What do you mean by that statement?

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 1

unkind or unpleasant in nature.

He can be quite mean when he's upset.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/16 17:07