mean

noun

(now chiefly in the plural form means, also in a singular sense) A method or course of action used to achieve some result.

Something which is intermediate or in the middle; an intermediate value or range of values; a medium.

(mathematics) Any function of multiple variables that satisfies certain properties and yields a number representative of its arguments; or, the number so yielded; a measure of central tendency.

(statistics) The average of a set of values, calculated by summing them together and dividing by the number of terms.

(mathematics) Either of the two numbers in the middle of a conventionally presented proportion, as 2 and 3 in 1:2=3:6.

(web development) Acronym of MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, Node.js: a software stack for developing web sites with both client-side and server-side use of JavaScript.

(obsolete, in the singular) An intermediate step or intermediate steps.

(music, now historical) The middle part of three-part polyphonic music; now specifically, the alto part in polyphonic music; an alto instrument.

verb

To intend.

(transitive) To intend, to plan (to do); to have as one's intention.

(intransitive) To have as intentions of a given kind.

(transitive, usually in passive) To intend (something) for a given purpose or fate; to predestine.

(transitive) To intend an ensuing comment or statement as an explanation.

To convey (a meaning).

(transitive) To convey (a given sense); to signify, or indicate (an object or idea).

(transitive) Of a word, symbol etc: to have reference to, to signify.

(transitive) Of a person (or animal etc): to intend to express, to imply, to hint at, to allude.

(transitive) To have conviction in (something said or expressed); to be sincere in (what one says).

(transitive) To cause or produce (a given result); to bring about (a given result).

(usually with to) To be of some level of importance.

(Ireland, UK regional) To lament.

adjective

Low in quality or degree; inferior; poor; shabby.

Without dignity of mind; destitute of honour; low-minded; spiritless; base.

Of little value or worth; worthy of little or no regard; contemptible; despicable.

(chiefly UK) Ungenerous; stingy; tight-fisted.

Disobliging; pettily offensive or unaccommodating.

Intending to cause harm, successfully or otherwise; bearing ill will towards another.

Powerful; fierce; strong.

(colloquial) Hearty; spicy.

(colloquial) Accomplished with great skill; deft; hard to compete with.

(informal, often childish) Difficult, tricky.

Having the mean (see noun below) as its value; average.

(obsolete) Common; general.

(now rare) Of a common or low origin, grade, or quality; common; humble.

(obsolete) Middling; intermediate; moderately good, tolerable.

Synonyms for mean

implyv signifyv entailv thinkv mingyadj averageadj intendv connotev beggarlyadj supposev denotev presumev presupposev involvev expectv indicatev presignifyv betokenv portendv assumev miserlyadj

Words related to mean

bemean meantv doesv necessarilyadv bastardlyadj sayv equatev notadv seemv indicatoryadj knowv meanyn didv actuallyadv denotativelyadv reallyadv meaninglyadv knewv nonthinking

Synonyms & related words for mean

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Words related to mean

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Synonyms for mean

Common synonyms for mean include imply, signify, entail, think, mingy, average, intend, connote — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.