What is Mean & How To Use It

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Understanding what is Mean in English requires exploring one of the language's most versatile and frequently used words. Despite its short length, what is mean encompasses a surprising range of functions and definitions that might challenge even advanced English speakers. Throughout this guide, we will explore the multiple dimensions of what is mean by examining its various roles in sentences, similar expressions, and practical applications.

By the end of this journey, you will gain clarity on how to correctly interpret and utilize this deceptively simple yet multi-faceted word in numerous contexts.

I. What "Mean" Does: Its Main Jobs
II. Similar Words & Common Sayings for "Mean"
1. 1. Synonyms
2. 2. Common "Mean" Phrases (Idioms)
III. Practice Using "Mean" (Exercises)
1. 1. Fill in the Blanks
2. 2. Pick the Right "Mean"

I. What "Mean" Does: Its Main Jobs

Before diving into specific examples, it's essential to understand that what is mean depends entirely on how it functions in a sentence. The mean definition changes across three primary grammatical roles: as a verb (action), as an adjective (description), and as a noun (thing). Each function carries distinct meanings that change how we understand and use the word.

1. "Mean" as an Action (Verb)

When exploring what is mean as a verb, we discover it expresses intention, significance, or consequence. This is the most common application of what is mean in everyday conversation.

Meaning/Use	Definition	Example Sentence(s)
1. To Signify/Represent	[v] to have a particular meaning, sense, or explanation	"Red means stop." "What does 'X' mean?"
2. To Intend/Plan	[v] to have something in your mind as a purpose or plan	"I mean to help." "She didn't mean it."
3. To Involve/Result In	[v] to have a particular result or effect	"Rain means wet roads."

The verb forms include: mean (present), means (third-person singular), meant (past tense), and meaning (continuous form). Understanding what is mean in its verb form helps clarify communications about intentions and significance in daily interactions.

Common Structures with "Mean" as a Verb:

Understanding mean structure in English helps you use this versatile word correctly. The mean to v pattern is especially common when expressing intentions.

Structure	Definition	Example
mean to + verb	[phr v] to intend to do something	"I meant to call you yesterday."
mean + noun/pronoun	[phr v] to intend to refer to someone or something	"Who did you mean when you said 'they'?"
mean + that-clause	[phr v] to have a particular significance	"The red light means that you should stop."
be meant to + verb	[phr v] to be intended or supposed to do something	"This device is meant to save energy."
mean + verb-ing	[phr v] to involve or require	"Success means working hard."
what do you mean (by) + noun/verb-ing?	[phr] used to ask for clarification	"What do you mean by 'sustainable'?"
not mean any harm/offense	[phr v] to have no intention to upset someone	"I'm sorry—I didn't mean any offense."

2. "Mean" as a Description (Adjective)

As an adjective, what is mean takes on characteristics that describe qualities of people, situations, or things. The mean definition shifts dramatically based on context.

Meaning/Use	Definition	Example Sentence(s)
1. Unkind/Cruel	[adj] unkind, cruel, or unfair	"That was a mean comment."
2. (US Informal) Excellent	[adj] (informal) very good or skillful	"He plays a mean guitar."
3. Stingy/Ungenerous	[adj] not willing to share things, especially money	"Don't be so mean with snacks."
4. Average (Statistical)	[adj] having a value that is calculated as an average	"The mean score was B."

When considering what is mean in its descriptive form, understanding mean in English requires attention to context, as the meanings range from strongly negative (cruel) to strongly positive (excellent) depending on usage.

3. "Mean" as a Thing (Noun)

Sometimes the question of what is mean leads us to its noun form, where "mean" (or more commonly "means") functions as a noun, identifying concrete or abstract concepts.

Form	Meaning/Use	Definition	Example Sentence(s)
Means (pl.)	Method/Way	[n] a method, a way of doing something	"A bike is a means of travel."
Means (pl.)	Resources/Money	[n] the money or resources that someone has	"She has the means to buy it."
Mean (sg.)	Mathematical Average	[n] the average value of a set of numbers, calculated by adding them together and dividing by their number	"The mean of 2 & 4 is 3."

Understanding what is mean in its noun form is particularly important in mathematical, financial, and logical discussions where precision matters significantly. The mean definition in statistics is especially important for data analysis.

II. Similar Words & Common Sayings for "Mean"

Expanding your vocabulary around what is mean helps enhance both comprehension and expression, allowing for more precise and varied communication in English.

1. Synonyms

Depending on which sense of what is mean you're working with, different synonyms become appropriate:

Word	Meaning	Example
For "Mean" (Verb - Signify)
denote	[v] to be a sign of something; to indicate	The red flag denotes danger in this area.
indicate	[v] to show that something is true or exists	These symptoms indicate a serious illness.
represent	[v] to be a symbol or sign of something	In the diagram, X represents the unknown value.
signify	[v] to be a sign of something; to mean	A handshake signifies agreement in many cultures.
For "Mean" (Verb - Intend)
aim	[v] to try or plan to achieve something	She aims to finish her degree by next year.
plan	[v] to decide and arrange in advance what you are going to do	I plan to visit my parents next weekend.
intend	[v] to have something in your mind as a purpose or plan	I intended to call but forgot my phone.
purpose	[v] to have as an intention or aim	He purposed to make a change in his life.
For "Mean" (Adjective - Unkind)
cruel	[adj] deliberately causing pain or suffering to others	The cruel remarks hurt her feelings deeply.
nasty	[adj] very unkind and unpleasant	He made a nasty comment about her appearance.
spiteful	[adj] showing a desire to hurt or upset someone	Her spiteful gossip damaged many relationships.
malicious	[adj] having or showing hatred and a desire to harm others	The malicious rumors were completely false.
For "Mean" (Noun - Average)
average	[n] the result obtained by adding several amounts together and dividing by the number of amounts	The average of these test scores is 85.
median	[n] the middle value in a series of values arranged in ascending or descending order	The median of 3, 7, and 8 is 7.
norm	[n] the usual or standard amount or level	His performance is well above the norm.

2. Common "Mean" Phrases (Idioms)

What is mean extends beyond basic definitions into common expressions that enrich communication in English:

Idiom	Meaning	Example
I mean...	[phr] used to clarify or emphasize a point in conversation	I enjoyed the concert—I mean, the vocals were exceptional.
meant to be	[phr] destined to happen or exist, especially referring to relationships or situations that seem fated	Their relationship seemed meant to be from the first meeting.
by no means	[phr] definitely not; absolutely not	The project is, by no means, complete yet.
a means to an end	[phr] something that you do only to achieve a particular result, not because you want to do it for its own sake	Learning to code was just a means to an end—creating her own app.
no mean feat	[phr] a significant achievement that requires considerable skill or effort	Finishing a marathon in under three hours is no mean feat.
mean business	[phr] to be serious about what you say or do; not joking	When she threatened to quit, she meant business.
mean well	[phr] to have good intentions even if the result is not successful	He meant well with his advice, but it only made things worse.

These expressions show how what is mean can vary significantly depending on context and demonstrate the flexibility of mean in English usage.

Understanding these expressions enhances your grasp of what is mean beyond literal definitions, enriching your communication capabilities.

III. Practice Using "Mean" (Exercises)

To truly master what is mean in all its forms, practice becomes essential. The following exercises will help solidify your understanding of mean in English by applying it in various contexts. Understanding mean to v structures and other mean definition variations requires hands-on practice.

1. Fill in the Blanks

Instructions: Choose the correct form of "mean" to complete each sentence. This exercise helps understand what is mean in different contexts.

A red traffic light ________ that you should stop. (means/meant/meaning)
She ________ to call you yesterday but forgot. (mean/means/meant)
They have the ________ to purchase a new home. (mean/means)
That was a very ________ thing to say to your friend. (mean/means/meant)
The ________ temperature in summer is 30°C. (mean/means)

Answers: 1. means, 2. meant, 3. means, 4. mean, 5. mean

2. Pick the Right "Mean"

Instructions: For each scenario, identify which meaning of "mean" is being used. This helps clarify what is mean in various situations.

"I didn't mean to step on your foot." a) Signify/represent b) Intend/plan c) Unkind/cruel
"He's mean with his money." a) Stingy/ungenerous b) Average c) Excellent
"What does this symbol mean?" a) Signify/represent b) Intend/plan c) Involve/result in

Answers: 1. b) Intend/plan, 2. a) Stingy/ungenerous, 3. a) Signify/represent

Now that we've explored the many facets of what is mean across its different grammatical functions, you should feel more confident in recognizing and applying this versatile word. Understanding what is mean in English requires attention to context—the same word can express intention, cruelty, excellence, or mathematical concepts depending on its surroundings. With practice and attention to how mean structure works in authentic contexts, distinguishing between these meanings will become second nature, adding an important tool to your English language toolkit that will serve you well in countless communication situations.

Chloe

Product Content Admin

Hi I'm Chloe, and I am currently serving as an Product Content Administrator at Prep Education. With over five years of experience in independent online IELTS study and exam preparation, I am confident in my ability to support learners in achieving their highest possible scores.