Langimage
English

meanest

|mean/est|

B2

/ˈmiːnɪst/

(mean)

convey intention

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleComparativeSuperlativeNounNounVerbVerbVerbAdjectiveAdjectiveAdverb
meanmeansmeansmeantmeantmeaningmeanermeanestmeaningmeansmeansmeantmeaningmeanermeanestmeanly
Etymology
Etymology Information

'mean' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'gemǣne,' where 'gemǣne' meant 'common or shared.'

Historical Evolution

'gemǣne' transformed into the Middle English word 'mene,' and eventually became the modern English word 'mean.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'common or shared,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'unkind or malicious.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

superlative form of 'mean', indicating the most unkind or malicious.

He was the meanest person in the neighborhood.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

superlative form of 'mean', indicating the most excellent or impressive in informal contexts.

That was the meanest guitar solo I've ever heard.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/02/10 12:07