Definitions of MEAN in various dictionaries:
noun -
an average of n numbers computed by adding some function of the numbers and dividing by some function of n
verb -
mean or intend to express or convey
verb -
have as a logical consequence
verb -
denote or connote
verb -
have in mind as a purpose
verb -
have a specified degree of importance
verb -
intend to refer to
verb -
destine or designate for a certain purpose
adj -
approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value
adj -
characterized by malice
adj -
having or showing an ignoble lack of honor or morality
adj -
excellent
adj -
marked by poverty befitting a beggar
adj -
(used of persons or behavior) characterized by or indicative of lack of generosity
adj -
(used of sums of money) so small in amount as to deserve contempt
adj -
of no value or worth
To be used to convey; denote: “‘The question is,’ said Alice, ‘whether you can make words mean so many different things’” (Lewis Carroll).
To act as a symbol of; signify or represent: In this poem, the budding flower means youth.
To intend to convey or indicate: “No one means all he says, and yet very few say all they mean, for words are slippery and thought is viscous” (Henry Adams).
To have as a purpose or an intention; intend: I meant to go running this morning, but I overslept.
To design, intend, or destine for a certain purpose or end: a building that was meant for storage; a student who was meant to be a scientist.
To have as a consequence; bring about: Friction means heat.
To be in earnest.
Selfish in a petty way; unkind.
Cruel, spiteful, or malicious.
Ignoble; base: a mean motive.
Miserly; stingy.
Low in quality or grade; inferior.
Low in value or amount; paltry: paid no mean amount for the new shoes.
Common or poor in appearance; shabby: “The rowhouses had been darkened by the rain and looked meaner and grimmer than ever” (Anne Tyler).
Low in social status; of humble origins.
Humiliated or ashamed.
In poor physical condition; sick or debilitated.
Extremely unpleasant or disagreeable: The meanest storm in years.
Ill-tempered.
Slang.
Hard to cope with; difficult or troublesome: He throws a mean fast ball.
These adj ectives mean lacking in the elevation or dignity or falling short of the standards befitting human beings.
Something having a position, quality, or condition midway between extremes; a medium.
Mathematics.
A number that typifies a set of numbers, such as a geometric mean or an arithmetic mean.
The average value of a set of numbers.
The middle term in a syllogism.
Money, property, or other wealth: You ought to live within your means.
Great wealth: a woman of means.
Occupying a middle or intermediate position between two extremes.
In the sense of “financial resources” means takes a plural verb : His means are more than adequate.
adj - inferior in grade, quality, or character
verb - to have as a specific aim or purpose