mean
25 synonyms and 3 antonyms for mean, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To intend or have in mind as a purpose.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use mean
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English mǣnan ("to intend, complain"), related to the word "moan".
Full origin of mean →Frequently asked questions
What does “mean” mean?
The word “mean” means to intend or have in mind as a purpose. In plain terms, can describe intending something, what a word signifies, being unkind or stingy, or the mathematical average of a set of numbers.
How do you pronounce “mean”?
“Mean” is pronounced meen (/min/ in IPA).
How do you use “mean” in a sentence?
Here is “mean” used in a sentence: “I didn't mean to interrupt you.”
What is another word for “mean”?
Words with a similar meaning to “mean” include inconsiderate, insensitive, halfhearted, mean-spirited, merciless and petty.
What is the opposite of “mean”?
The opposite of “mean” — its antonyms — are compassionate, kindly and nice.
What part of speech is “mean”?
Depending on how it is used, “mean” can be a verb, an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “mean” come from?
The word “mean” comes from Old English. From Old English mǣnan ("to intend, complain"), related to the word "moan".
Is “mean” a common word?
“Mean” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between 'mean' and 'intend'?
Both express purpose, but 'mean' is more everyday and conversational, while 'intend' sounds more deliberate and formal. 'Mean' often appears when outcomes go astray, as in 'I didn't mean to break it,' whereas 'intend' stresses a planned aim: 'we intend to expand.' In many sentences they swap freely.
Does 'mean' always refer to intention?
No. In this sense it means 'to intend,' but 'mean' also signifies 'to denote', as in 'red means stop.' As an adjective it can describe someone unkind, or in maths refer to the average. The word's sense depends entirely on how it is used.
What is the past tense of 'mean'?
The past tense and past participle are both 'meant,' spelled m-e-a-n-t and rhyming with 'went.' So you say 'I meant to help,' not 'meaned.' It is an irregular verb, which is why the spelling and pronunciation change from the base form.
What is an example of 'mean' as intend?
You might say 'I meant to call you back' or 'She didn't mean to cause offence.' Both use 'mean' to describe what someone had in mind as a purpose. The phrase 'mean to' is the everyday way English speakers express intention, especially about unfulfilled or mistaken actions.