Mean — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind

"the national anthem means various things to various people"

to be of importance

"your presence at my graduation would mean a lot to me"

to have in mind as a purpose or goal

"I mean to win this race"

to serve as a sign or symptom of

"these colder nights mean autumn has truly arrived"

having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it

"a mean, embittered old woman who wanted company for her misery"

not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency

"a mean trick to play on a trusting person"

belonging to the class of people of low social or economic rank

"Alexander Hamilton seems to have had feelings of inferiority because of his mean origins"

giving or sharing as little as possible

"a mean child who hoarded all her toys"

of little or less value or merit

"it's no mean feat to memorize that long poem"

of the very best kind

"I'm a mean dancer, so you could do worse than go to the prom with me"

showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect

"he worked hard to escape the mean neighborhood of his youth"

arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust

"that was no mean stunt to pull off, especially with so little advance preparation"

being about midway between extremes of amount or size

"for the state of Florida, what is the mean number of sunny days per month?"

a middle point between extremes

"that candidate's moderate views were seen as the mean that voters were looking for"

an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result

"won the competition by fair and honest means"

something used to achieve an end

"the ends don't justify the means"

the total of one's money and property

"a woman of considerable means"