Mean Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
mean
[miหn ]
Definitions
in behavior
Intend to convey or indicate
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mean |
Used when explaining the definition or sense of something.
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| intend |
Used when talking about having a purpose or goal.
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| signify |
Used when indicating or being a sign of something. Often used in more formal or academic contexts.
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| imply |
Used when suggesting or hinting at something indirectly.
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Examples of usage
- I didn't mean to offend you
- What do you mean by that?
average
The average of a set of values
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mean |
Used in everyday conversation to imply rudeness or unkindness. It's also a term in mathematics where it represents the average value of a set of numbers.
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| average |
Commonly describes something typical or usual in everyday life. In mathematics, it's calculated by adding up a set of values and dividing by the number of values.
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| median |
Primarily used in statistics and mathematics. It refers to the middle value in a list of numbers arranged in ascending or descending order.
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| mode |
Mainly used in statistics to identify the most frequently occurring value in a set of data.
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Examples of usage
- The mean of 5, 7, and 10 is 7.3
involving
Intend to convey or refer to (a particular thing)
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mean |
When stating the importance, value, or worth of something.
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| signify |
When expressing the importance, representation, or indication of something, often in a more formal or symbolic way.
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| indicate |
When pointing out, showing, or suggesting something often based on evidence or signals.
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| refer to |
When mentioning or alluding to specific information, people, or documents.
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Examples of usage
- The word 'run' can mean different things in different contexts
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Being unkind often stems from insecurity, where individuals attempt to elevate themselves by putting others down.
- Research shows that bullying and mean behavior can lead to long-lasting emotional effects on both the victim and the aggressor.
- Studies indicate that children who exhibit mean behavior may be mimicking dynamics they observe in their home environments.
Pop Culture
- In the popular film 'Mean Girls,' the social dynamics of teenage girls are explored, highlighting the impact of being unkind.
- The term 'mean' is frequently used in songs and lyrics to describe hurtful relationships or emotional struggles.
- Memes and social media often use 'mean' humorously to comment on everyday situations that showcase unkind behavior.
Mathematics
- The arithmetic mean is calculated by adding a set of numbers and dividing by the count of those numbers.
- The concept of mean helps in fields like statistics, where it is crucial for analyzing data patterns.
- In addition to arithmetic mean, there are other types of means, such as geometric mean and harmonic mean, used for different applications.
Literature
- In many stories, the conflict often arises from a character's mean behavior, serving as a catalyst for plot development.
- Famous literary figures like Ebenezer Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol' demonstrate the transformation from mean-spiritedness to kindness.
- Poets like Robert Frost often explore themes of human nature, including the capacity for cruelty and kindness.
Origin of 'mean'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Old English word 'mรฆne,' which means common or shared.
- In mathematics, 'mean' represents the average, a concept derived from the Latin 'mediฤnus,' which means 'middle'.
- Over time, the meaning of 'mean' shifted to include unkindness, reflecting societal changes in language use.
The word 'mean' has a long history in the English language. It has its roots in Old English and has evolved over time to take on multiple meanings and uses. From its origins as a verb meaning 'to have in mind as a purpose', it has expanded to encompass a range of senses, from indicating intention to expressing an average value. The word has been a staple of English vocabulary for centuries, adapting to the changing needs of its speakers.
See also: demean, demeaning, meaningless, meanly, meanness, means, meant, meantime, meanwhile, meanwhilst.