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Meanness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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meanness

[หˆmiหnnษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

negative behavior

Meanness refers to the quality of being unkind, cruel, or malicious towards others. It is characterized by a lack of empathy and a willingness to hurt or harm others for personal gain.

Synonyms

cruelty, malice, unkindness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
meanness

Refers to the quality of being unkind, cruel, or stingy. Often used to describe someone's overall unpleasant behavior.

  • His meanness towards his employees made him very unpopular.
  • The meanness in her words couldn't be ignored.
cruelty

This is used when referring to someone inflicting physical or emotional pain on others intentionally. It can be a pattern of behavior or a specific act.

  • The cruelty shown to the animals was heartbreaking.
  • Her cruelty toward her siblings was evident in her harsh words.
unkindness

Refers to the quality of being not kind. It is often used in less severe situations than 'cruelty' and 'meanness', but it still indicates negative behavior.

  • Her unkindness towards strangers was surprising.
  • The unkindness in his tone made her feel unwelcome.
malice

Describes the intention to do harm or act with spite. It often involves planning or a deliberate effort to cause harm.

  • He spoke with such malice that it left everyone speechless.
  • The letter was written with clear malice.

Examples of usage

  • He showed his meanness by spreading rumors about his co-workers.
  • The meanness of her actions left a lasting impact on those around her.
Context #2 | Noun

small-mindedness

Meanness can also refer to a narrow-minded or stingy attitude towards others. It is often associated with a reluctance to share or help others, and a focus on one's own interests above all else.

Synonyms

greediness, pettiness, selfishness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
meanness

Meanness is typically used to describe someone who is unkind or cruel, especially in their behavior or attitude towards others.

  • Her meanness was evident when she refused to help her friend in need.
  • He showed meanness by making fun of others for no reason.
selfishness

Selfishness is used when someone acts in their own interest without considering others. It's often associated with putting oneself first at the expense of others.

  • His selfishness was clear when he ate the last piece of cake without offering to share.
  • She showed selfishness by ignoring her friendsโ€™ needs to focus on her own desires.
greediness

Greediness refers to an excessive desire for more, especially wealth or material possessions. It's often used in contexts involving money or resources.

  • His greediness led him to take more than his fair share of the profits.
  • The company's greediness was evident in their unfair worker wages.
pettiness

Pettiness is used to describe trivial or small-minded behavior, often focusing on insignificant details in a way that is seen as spiteful or mean.

  • Her pettiness was obvious when she complained about the smallest mistakes.
  • He was known for his pettiness, always pointing out minor flaws in others.

Examples of usage

  • His meanness was evident in his refusal to contribute to the charity event.
  • She was known for her meanness in always putting herself first.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that people often act with meanness as a defense mechanism, protecting themselves from vulnerability.
  • Experiencing childhood bullying can lead individuals to display mean behavior later in life, as it may become a learned response.
  • Research indicates that showing kindness can reduce the likelihood of meanness, promoting healthier social interactions.

Literature

  • In many classic novels, characters that exhibit meanness often face consequences, creating moral lessons about the importance of kindness.
  • Authors frequently depict mean characters as villains, contrasting them with heroes who embody empathy and understanding.
  • The theme of meanness versus kindness is prevalent in childrenโ€™s literature, teaching young readers the value of being nice to others.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have varying views on kindness and meanness, where some may emphasize community and collective harmony.
  • In some societies, direct communication can be perceived as meanness, even when there is no intention to hurt.
  • Popular sayings across cultures often encourage kindness, reflecting a universal dislike for meanness in social interactions.

Media and Pop Culture

  • Television shows often portray mean characters to drive conflict, making viewers question their actions and motives.
  • Songs and movies frequently celebrate the triumph of kindness over meanness, reinforcing positive social behaviors.
  • In social media, the portrayal of meanness can lead to movements like 'anti-bullying' campaigns, highlighting the need for compassion.

Ethics

  • Philosophers argue that meanness undermines ethical principles by disregarding the dignity of others.
  • Debates on morality often include discussions on how meanness affects societal norms and individual behaviors.
  • Ethical teachings across religions typically advocate for compassion and discourage any form of meanness.

Origin of 'meanness'

The word 'meanness' originated from the Middle English word 'menes', which meant wickedness or cruelty. Over time, it evolved to encompass a broader range of negative behaviors towards others. The concept of meanness has been explored in literature and psychology as a destructive trait that can harm relationships and communities.

See also: demean, demeaning, mean, meaningless, meanly, means, meant, meantime, meanwhile, meanwhilst.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,615, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.