Use this form when you want to show what something says or stands for. It shows the idea or message of a word or sentence.
What does this word mean?
I mean that we should wait.
This use shows what someone wants or plans to do. It shows the intention behind an action.
I mean to call you tomorrow.
She means to help us here.
This describes a person's behavior when they hurt or upset others on purpose. It is the opposite of kind.
He was mean to his little sister.
Don't be mean to your friends.
This means someone does not like to spend money or give things. It means being careful to avoid giving or using too much.
He is mean with his money.
Don't be mean when you share food.
This is a math term for the number you get when you add numbers and divide by how many numbers there are. It helps to find the middle or average.
The mean of 4, 6, and 8 is 6.
Find the mean of these numbers.
This means something is small, simple, or made with little care or money. It is often used to describe homes or things that seem poor or low in quality.
They live in a mean little house.
It was a mean little meal.
This use describes what something causes or results in. It shows the outcome or effect of a situation or action.
This road means faster travel.
A cold means getting sick.
This is a formal use in language studies to describe the idea or concept a word or symbol represents. It helps to understand communication more deeply.
The word's meaning is clear.
We study the meaning of symbols.
