mean

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "mean" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective, verb, noun, or an interjection. Example Sentence: His mean comments on my appearance hurt my feelings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I mean, why not?

The New York Times

If you see what I mean.

The New York Times - Books

"But I look at people who have been in politics for five, 10, 15 years, and muck up, you see them muck up and think, 'You guys are supposed to be pro!' "People that have gone to Oxbridge, had thousands spent on their education, and I mean they are royally mucking up".

The Guardian - Sport

you'll always mean the world to me, I promise to do you proud, I love you with all my heart".

The Guardian

What did he mean?

The New York Times

And I mean that.

The Guardian - Opinion

I mean, give me a break.

The Guardian

"Yes, I had concerns about Mr Obeid's son working for the company … yes, I was lobbied, but that's the nature of being premier, people lobby the premier, it doesn't mean they get what they want".

The Guardian

That doesn't mean getting out of print, but it does require a greater focus of attention, imagination and resource on the various forms that digital future is likely to take".

The Guardian

The term "nervous" is on every rider and manager's lips when asked to describe the demands of the early phase of the race, but what they mean is more complex than a few shivers of anticipation at the prospect of a tricky bit of road or two.

The Guardian - Sport

But what does that actually mean?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mean" as a verb, be specific about what you intend to convey to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "That means a lot", specify "That means a lot to me".

Common error

Avoid using "mean" interchangeably with "average" in technical contexts. While "mean" can refer to the average of a set of numbers, using "average" provides clarity, especially in scientific or statistical writing.

Linguistic Context

The word "mean" functions as a versatile term with multiple grammatical roles. It serves as a verb expressing intention or significance, an adjective denoting quality, or a noun referring to an average. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and adaptable term in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "mean" is a highly versatile term with a wide range of applications, as indicated by its frequent use in news and media. It can function as a verb to express intention or signify something, as an adjective to describe a quality (often negative), or as a noun to denote an average value. According to Ludwig AI, "mean" is indeed correct and usable in written English. Understanding its various grammatical roles and contextual nuances is crucial for effective communication. Using precise synonyms like "signify" or "intend" can further refine your message and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

signify

Focuses on the symbolic representation or indication.

imply

Highlights the indirect suggestion of something without explicitly stating it.

indicate

Emphasizes pointing out or showing something.

intend

Stresses the purpose or plan behind an action or statement.

represent

Highlights the act of standing for or symbolizing something else.

denote

Focuses on the explicit definition or reference of a term.

convey

Emphasizes the act of communicating or transmitting information.

suggest

Highlights a subtle or indirect way of indicating something.

entail

Focuses on what something necessarily involves or includes.

lead to

Emphasizes the resulting outcome or consequence of something.

FAQs

How can I use "mean" in a sentence?

The word "mean" can be used as a verb (e.g., "What do you mean?"), an adjective (e.g., "He was mean to me"), or a noun (e.g., "the mean of the numbers").

What are some synonyms for "mean" (intend)?

Alternatives for "mean" when it implies intention include "intend", "plan", or "aim".

What is the difference between "mean" and "average"?

While "mean" can refer to the average of a set of numbers, "average" is generally preferred for clarity in statistical and everyday contexts.

What can I say instead of "that doesn't mean"?

Alternatives include "that doesn't "imply"", "that doesn't "indicate"", or "that doesn't "suggest"", depending on the intended nuance.