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mean1

 
pronunciation:
min
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: means, meaning, meant
definition 1: to intend to denote or express.
What do you mean by saying you're not satisfied?When I said "I'm sorry," I meant that I felt sympathy for you.[verb + (that) + clause ] What do you mean by locking your door?
similar words:
connote, denote, express, imply, represent, signify
definition 2: to signal a particular idea or message that can be understood; signify.
The word "tomorrow" means "the day that follows today."Dark clouds often mean that rain is coming soon.
synonyms:
signify
similar words:
connote, denote, designate, express, represent, stand for
definition 3: to be completely serious and in earnest about (something expressed).
I meant what I said about quitting, and I've already told my boss.[verb + WH/whether/if + clause ] He always says he hates his sister, but he doesn't really mean it.Did you mean it when you said you want a divorce?[verb + it + when + clause ]
definition 4: to have in mind as a goal, purpose, or plan; intend.
I meant to give her this letter, but I forgot.[verb + infinitive ] I mean to leave next week, so I have plenty to do to get ready.[verb + infinitive ] She has a goal of becoming a doctor, and she fully means to attain it.[verb + infinitive ] He meant to be kind by offering the poor woman money, but she was insulted by the gesture.[verb + infinitive ]
synonyms:
intend
similar words:
aim, plan, propose, purpose
definition 5: to desire and plan for (someone) to do something; intend.
Do you think she meant me to kiss her?[verb + smby/smth + infinitive ] The murderer meant the police to believe that the house had been broken into.[verb + smby/smth + infinitive ]
synonyms:
intend
definition 6: of a deity or fate, to intend (someone or something) for a particular purpose or end because of possessing special qualities.
He was meant for the priesthood.You were meant to play this role, and it will make you a star![verb + smby/smth + infinitive ]
synonyms:
destine, intend
similar words:
fate, make
definition 7: to cause as a result; to have the effect of.
The fire means we'll have to find a new home.[verb + (that) + clause ] For the children, the divorce meant growing up without their father.[verb + gerund ] The closing of the factory meant their mother's having to find another job.[verb + possessive adj + gerund ]
similar words:
cause
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to have a certain (specified) degree of significance or importance.
The letters from home mean a lot to the soldiers.The welfare of their foster child meant little to this selfish couple.
similar words:
be, represent
definition 2: to have intentions of a (specified) sort.
He often fails in what he hopes to do for others, but there is no doubt that he means well.I don't think she meant ill by what she did; it was just an accident.
similar words:
intend, purpose
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