Definition and meaning of English word "mean"
mean
/miːn/
Meaning
VerbTo intend. To intend, to plan (to do); to have as one's intention.
How to use
The verb 'mean' can be confusing due to its multiple meanings. A common learner mistake is using 'mean' as a synonym for 'think', rather than 'intend'. For example, 'I mean to go to the store' rather than 'I think to go to the store'.
🇬🇧 English
mean
Example
What do you mean by that?
I don't understand what you mean.
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationSynonyms
Common phrases
- mean something to someone— Mean something to someone
- mean to do something— Mean to do something
- what do you mean— What do you mean
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #468 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "mean" mean?▼
The English word "mean" means "mean" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "mean"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "mean" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "mean"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "What do you mean by that?" (which translates as "mean").
More Core Verbs words
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