What is mean? Pronunciation and usage in English

mean means . Learn how to pronounce and use mean through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of mean

meanverb

/miːn/
Definition & pronunciation of mean

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "mean" in English. It's a tricky one for learners because it's not always pronounced the same way depending on the context!

Here's a breakdown of the two main pronunciations:

1. "Mean" as an adjective (describing someone/something unkind):

  • Pronunciation: /miːn/ (rhymes with "green")
  • Breakdown:
    • mi: Sounds like the "mee" in "meet"
    • n: Sounds like the "n" in "now"
  • Emphasis: The stress is on the first syllable ("mi").

2. "Mean" as a verb (to intend or plan):

  • Pronunciation: /mɪn/ (rhymes with "tin")
  • Breakdown:
    • mi: Sounds like the "mi" in "him"
    • n: Sounds like the "n" in "now"
  • Emphasis: The stress is on the first syllable ("mi").

Here’s a helpful way to remember the difference:

  • "Mean" as a bad person: Think of "green" - it’s a similar sound.
  • "Mean" as a plan: Think of "tin" - it's a quicker, lighter sound.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, can you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to pronounce "mean"? (e.g., "He's a mean person," or "I mean, I don't understand?")

Usage and examples with the word mean in English

Let's break down how to use the word "mean" in English. It's a surprisingly tricky word because it has multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Mean as "Average" or "Typical"

  • Definition: This is the most common and fundamental meaning. It refers to the average value in a set of numbers.
  • Example: "The mean temperature for July is 85 degrees Fahrenheit."
  • Usage: You’ll often see it used with words like “average,” “arithmetic,” or “statistical.”
  • Formula: Mean = (Sum of all values) / (Number of values)

2. Mean as "Unkind" or "Impolite"

  • Definition: This means to intentionally cause someone pain or distress, either emotionally or physically. It describes someone's behavior.
  • Example: "Don't be so mean to your little brother!"
  • Synonyms: unkind, cruel, nasty, spiteful, harsh
  • Related Phrases:
    • "Being mean is wrong."
    • "He was being deliberately mean."

3. Mean as "To Express the Value of"

  • Definition: In math and finance, “mean” can also refer to the value of something.
  • Example: "The mean value of a stock over the year was $50."
  • Usage: Less common than the other definitions, but important in specific contexts.

4. Mean as "To Indicate or Suggest"

  • Definition: This usage implies a subtle hint or a veiled message.
  • Example: “The silence meant he was angry.” (His silence suggested he was angry).
  • Related Phrases: “It means a lot to me,” “That means nothing to me.”

5. Mean as "To Intend" or "Purpose" (Informal)

  • Definition: (Very informal) – This means to have a particular intention.
  • Example: “I meant to call you yesterday.” (I intended to call you yesterday.)
  • Synonym: Intend

Here's a breakdown of how to use "mean" in sentences, with examples:

  • To be unkind: "She was mean to her friend for no reason."
  • To express the average: "The mean height of the students in the class is 5'8"."
  • To indicate something (subtly): “His tone meant that he disagreed with my suggestion."
  • To intend (informal): “I meant to do the dishes, but I got distracted.”

Tips for Understanding and Using "Mean":

  • Context is Key: The meaning of “mean” completely depends on the context of the sentence.
  • Pay attention to the surrounding words: Words like “average,” “unkind,” “suggest,” “intend,” etc., will provide clues.
  • Don’t be afraid to look it up: If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to check a dictionary.

Resources for More Information:

To help me give you even more specific guidance, could you tell me:

  • What kind of sentence are you trying to write? (e.g., a descriptive sentence, a statement about a person, a mathematical calculation?)

Synonyms for the word mean

Idioms of the word mean

be meant to be something
to be generally considered to be something
  • This restaurant is meant to be excellent.
I mean
(informal)used to explain or correct what you have just said
  • It was so boring—I mean, nothing happened for the first hour!
  • She's English—Scottish, I mean.
mean business
(informal)to be serious in your intentions
  • He has the look of a man who means business.
  • He says he's going to make changes, and I think he means business.
mean (somebody) no harm | not mean (somebody) any harm
to not have any intention of hurting somebody
    mean to say
    used to emphasize what you are saying or to ask somebody if they really mean what they say
    • I mean to say, you should have known how he would react!
    • Do you mean to say you've lost it?
    mean well
    to have good intentions, although their effect may not be good

      Practice with vocabulary mean

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. Achieving the ambitious project deadlines will ______ that the entire team needs to collaborate more efficiently.
      2. Her subtle hints in the meeting seemed to ______ a lack of confidence in the new proposal, though she never explicitly stated it.
      3. The cryptic email we received last night could ______ several things, but we need more context to understand its true message.
      4. The new trade agreement is expected to significantly ______ the cost of imported goods, leading to higher consumer prices.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. What did the CEO ______ when he referred to "synergistic innovation" during his presentation? a) denote b) imply c) mean d) understand

      2. I sincerely apologize if my feedback came across as overly harsh; I didn't ______ to offend anyone. a) wish b) intend c) mean d) try

      3. Securing this major contract will ______ a substantial increase in our operational capacity and workforce. a) signify b) lead to c) mean d) require

      4. The company's decision to downsize is likely to ______ employee morale and productivity in the short term. a) hinder b) impede c) affect d) mean

      5. The primary ______ of the upcoming workshop is to provide practical skills for digital marketing professionals. a) objective b) intention c) meaning d) purpose

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The drop in quarterly profits clearly indicates a need for strategic adjustments. Rewrite using "mean" or a related word form:

      2. I had no intention of disclosing confidential information during the public discussion. Rewrite using "mean" or a related word form:

      3. His contribution to the project was very important for its success. Rewrite without using "mean" or related word forms, using a suitable replacement word:

      Answer:

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. Achieving the ambitious project deadlines will mean that the entire team needs to collaborate more efficiently.
      2. Her subtle hints in the meeting seemed to imply a lack of confidence in the new proposal, though she never explicitly stated it.
      3. The cryptic email we received last night could mean several things, but we need more context to understand its true message.
      4. The new trade agreement is expected to significantly affect the cost of imported goods, leading to higher consumer prices.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. a) denote, b) imply, c) mean
      2. b) intend, c) mean
      3. b) lead to, c) mean, d) require
      4. a) hinder, b) impede, c) affect
      5. a) objective, b) intention, d) purpose

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The drop in quarterly profits clearly means a need for strategic adjustments.
      2. I did not mean to disclose confidential information during the public discussion.
      3. His contribution to the project was very crucial for its success.

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