Mean Meaning
Mean Definition & Usage
To signify or indicate something; to have a particular meaning.
Examples
- "What does this word mean in French?"
- "The red light means 'stop' in traffic signals."
- "Her smile means more than words could express."
- "The symbol on the map means a hospital is nearby."
- "The numbers on the page mean nothing to me."
Having an unpleasant or unkind disposition; spiteful or cruel.
Examples
- "That was a mean thing to say."
- "She gave me a mean look when I disagreed."
- "He can be really mean to people he doesn't like."
- "The teacher was mean to the students for no reason."
- "Why do you have to be so mean all the time?"
Exceptional or outstanding in quality or ability.
Examples
- "That's a mean guitar solo!"
- "She gave a mean performance at the audition."
- "He's got a mean jump shot."
- "The chef prepared a mean steak last night."
- "They made a mean team on the court."
To intend or plan to do something.
Examples
- "I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings."
- "Do you mean to tell me that you didn’t know?"
- "He meant to leave earlier, but got caught up in work."
- "What do you mean by that comment?"
- "I didn't mean any harm, just a joke."
Cultural Context
The word 'mean' has evolved over centuries, stemming from Old English 'mænan', meaning to signify or have an intention. Over time, its usage expanded to describe unkind behavior and, more recently, to signify excellence in certain contexts, especially in slang.
The Mean Streets of Downtown
Story
The Mean Streets of Downtown
On the mean streets of downtown, where the harsh reality of city life meets the sharp edge of ambition, two friends, Jake and Oliver, walked side by side, trying to make sense of their lives. Jake had always been the tough one, known for his quick temper and mean remarks. Oliver, on the other hand, was a gentle soul, but he had learned to hold his own in a world that demanded more than kindness. They were walking to a meeting with a developer who was promising to help them get their business off the ground. 'I don't trust that guy,' Jake muttered, 'he's got a mean streak.' Oliver raised an eyebrow. 'What do you mean by that?' Jake smiled a little. 'I mean he’s not the kind of guy who’ll do you a favor unless there’s something in it for him.' Oliver chuckled. 'I mean, I get it, but let’s not jump to conclusions. Maybe he's just business-minded.' They arrived at the meeting, and the developer turned out to be more than just 'business-minded'. He was slick, trying to strike deals that would only benefit him. As the conversation progressed, it became clear that Jake’s instinct was right. When the developer offered them a deal that seemed too good to be true, Jake’s voice lowered. 'I knew it. This guy is mean with his business tactics. He's not in it to help us.' The meeting ended with no deal, but Jake and Oliver felt a sense of relief. 'Sometimes, you gotta be mean to survive in this world,' Jake said, his tone softened. 'But it's all about knowing when to use it.' In the end, the two friends decided to take the harder road, sticking to their values, even if it meant walking away from easy offers.
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