noun

meaner

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Meaner (noun) means a person who intends or means something (rare, mostly used in formal or philosophical writing). Example: “The meaner of a statement isn't always the one who benefits from its interpretation.”

noun

A person who intends or means something (rare, mostly used in formal or philosophical writing).

"By his acts of meaning, and those of other individual meaners, the social reality is created, maintained in good order, and continuously shaped and modified." — M.A.K. Halliday, Jonathan Webster (2006)

"The meaner of a statement isn't always the one who benefits from its interpretation."

How to use meaner

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA rarely-used word for someone who "means" something — most people will only ever meet this as the comparative of the adjective "mean" (e.g. "he got meaner with age"), which is not a separate dictionary entry.

Common mistake

This is almost always encountered as the comparative form of "mean" (unkind) — "meaner than his brother" — rather than as this rare noun sense.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: meaners

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The _____ of a statement isn't always the one who benefits from its interpretation.

Rhymes for meaner

loaner cleaner

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Frequently asked questions

What does “meaner” mean?

The word “meaner” means a person who intends or means something (rare, mostly used in formal or philosophical writing). In plain terms, a rarely-used word for someone who "means" something — most people will only ever meet this as the comparative of the adjective "mean" (e.g. "he got meaner with age"), which is not a separate dictionary entry.

How do you use “meaner” in a sentence?

Here is “meaner” used in a sentence: “The meaner of a statement isn't always the one who benefits from its interpretation.”

What part of speech is “meaner”?

“Meaner” is a noun.

What is the meaning of meaner?

"meaner" (noun) means a person who intends or means something (rare, mostly used in formal or philosophical writing).