to express or represent something such as an idea, thought, or fact
What does this word mean?
Oxford Essential Dictionary
verb (means, meaning, meant /, has meant)
1 to have as a meaning:
What does 'medicine' mean?
The red light means that you have to stop here.
2 to plan or want to say something:
She said 'yes' but she really meant 'no'.
I don't understand what you mean.
We're going on Tuesday, I mean Thursday.
3 to plan or want to do something same meaning intend:
I didn't mean to hurt you.
I meant to phone you, but I forgot.
4 to make something happen:
This snow means there will be no sport today.
5 to be important to somebody:
My family means a lot to me.
be meant to
1 If you are meant to do something, you should do it:
You're not meant to smoke on the train.
2 If something is meant to be true, people say it is true:
This is meant to be a good film.
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
mean
I. mean1 S1 W1 /miːn/ BrE AmE verb [transitive] (past tense and past participle meant /ment/)
[Word Family: adjective: ↑meaningful, ↑meaningless; verb: ↑mean; noun: ↑meaning; adverb: ↑meaningfully]
[Language: Old English; Origin: mænan]
1. HAVE A PARTICULAR MEANING [not in progressive] to have or represent a particular meaning:
What does ‘patronizing’ mean?
The red light means ‘Stop’.
The report fails to define what is meant by the term ‘key issues’.
mean (that)
This light means you’re running low on fuel.
REGISTER
In written English, people often prefer to say that something indicates something is the case, rather than using mean:
▪ The light indicates that fuel supplies are low.
2. INTEND TO SAY SOMETHING [not in progressive] to intend a particular meaning when you say something
mean (that)
I meant we’d have to leave early – that’s all.
It’s pretty obvious what she means.
(do) you mean spoken (=used to check you have understood what someone intended to say)
Do you mean you’ve changed or Chris has changed?
do/if you know/see what I mean? spoken (=used to check that someone understands you)
I want to buy her something really special, if you know what I mean.
We’re still married but living apart in the same house, if you see what I mean.
Oh yeah! I see what you mean (=I understand what you are trying to say).
What I mean is, I don’t feel alone anymore (=used to explain more about what you have said).
‘I didn’t really like him.’ 'I know what you mean, I didn’t get on with him either (=used to say you understand and have had the same experience).
‘In three hours’ time, I’ll be a free man.‘ ’How do you mean (=used to ask someone to explain what they have just said)?'
3. INTEND TO DO SOMETHING to intend to do something or intend that someone else should do something
mean to do something
I’ve been meaning to ask you if you want to come for a meal next week.
I didn’t mean to upset you.
mean somebody/something to do something
I didn’t mean this to happen at all.
I never meant you to find out.
mean for somebody to do something especially American English:
I didn’t mean for her to get hurt.
I’m sure she didn’t mean it (=she did not intend to upset or hurt someone).
mean no harm/offence/disrespect (=not intend to harm, offend etc someone)
I’m sure he didn’t mean any harm.
He may sound a bit rude at times, but he means well (=intends to be helpful or kind, even if it does not seem like that).
I wasn’t criticizing you, I really meant it for the best (=wanted to be helpful, although my actions had the wrong effect).
4. RESULT IN SOMETHING [not in progressive] to have a particular result or involve something:
The merger will mean the closure of the company’s Sydney office.
Don’t let him see you. It will only mean trouble.
mean (that)
The high cost of housing means that many young people can’t afford to buy a house.
mean doing something
My new job will mean travelling all over the world.
Dieting also means being careful about which foods you buy.
5. BE FAMILIAR [not in progressive] if a name, word etc means something to you, you are familiar with it or you understand it:
He said his name was ‘Randall’ but it meant nothing to me (=I was not familiar with it).
Does the name Bryce mean anything to you?
You need to use analogies which will mean something to the reader.
6. SAY SOMETHING SERIOUSLY [not in progressive] to be serious about what you are saying or writing:
With children, if you say ‘no’, you have to mean it.
I meant what I said earlier.
You don’t really mean that, do you?
7. HOW IMPORTANT SOMEBODY/SOMETHING IS [not in progressive] used for saying how important someone or something is to you
mean something to somebody
I know how much your work means to you.
The medal meant a lot to him.
mean the world to somebody/mean everything to somebody (=be very important to someone)
He meant the world to her.
Time meant nothing (=it was not important) to me while I was travelling.
Of course the relationship meant something to me.
8. SHOW SOMETHING IS TRUE/WILL HAPPEN [not in progressive] to be a sign that something is true or will happen
mean (that)
Finding a lump does not necessarily mean you have cancer.
Clear skies mean that it will be a cold night.
Just because he’s been in prison, it doesn’t mean that he’s violent.
• • •
SPOKEN PHRASES
9. what do you mean ...?
a) used when you do not understand what someone is trying to say:
‘You’ll be careful won’t you?’ ‘What do you mean?’
b) used when you are very surprised or annoyed by what someone has just said:
What do you mean, you’ve cancelled the trip?
What do you mean by that?
c) used when you are very annoyed by what someone has just done:
What do you mean by calling me at this time of night?
10. SAY WHICH PERSON/THING used to say that a particular person or thing is the one that you are talking about, pointing to etc:
‘Hey you!’ ‘Do you mean me?’
I meant the pink dress, not the red one.
11. I mean
a) used when explaining or giving an example of something, or when pausing to think about what you are going to say next:
You’re more of an expert than me. I mean, you’ve got all that experience.
It’s just not right. I mean, it’s unfair isn’t it?
b) used to quickly correct something you have just said:
She plays the violin, I mean the viola, really well.
12. see what I mean? used when something that happens proves what you said before:
See what I mean? Every time she calls me up she wants me to do something for her.
13. that’s what I mean used when someone is saying the same thing that you were trying to say earlier:
‘We might not have enough money.’ ‘That’s what I mean, so we’d better find out the price first.’
14. I mean to say used when adding a reason or explanation for something you have just said, especially something you feel strongly about:
Of course she wants to see the children, I mean to say, it’s only natural isn’t it?
15. mean business to be determined to do something:
This decision shows the public that we mean business.
16. be meant to do something
a) if you are meant to do something, you should do it, especially because someone has told you to or because you are responsible for it:
Come on, Ellen, you’re meant to be helping me.
I thought the police were meant to protect people.
b) to be intended to do something:
The diagram is meant to show the different stages of the process.
17. be meant to be good/excellent/bad etc used to say that you have heard or read that something is good, bad etc:
The play is meant to be really good.
18. be meant for somebody/something to be intended for a particular person or purpose:
a book meant for children
19. be meant for somebody if two people are meant for each other, they are very suitable as partners for each other:
They were meant for each other.
She’s meant for him.
20. somebody was never meant for something/to be something used to say that someone is not at all suitable for a particular job or activity:
I was never meant for the army.
21. something was meant to be/happen used to say that you think a situation was certain to happen and that no one could have prevented it:
Dan left me after a month so I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.
22. know/understand what it means to be something to have experienced a particular situation, so that you know what it is like:
I know what it means to be alone in a foreign country.
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
mean
mean [mean means meant meaning meaner meanest] verb, adjective, noun [miːn] [miːn]
verb (meant, meant [ment] ; [ment] )
HAVE AS MEANING
1. (not used in the progressive tenses) to have sth as a meaning
• ~ sth What does this sentence mean?
• What is meant by ‘batch processing’?
• ~ sth to sb Does the name ‘Jos Vos’ mean anything to you (= do you know who he is)?
• ~ (that)… The flashing light means (that) you must stop.
INTEND AS MEANING
2. (not used in the progressive tenses) to intend to say sth on a particular occasion
• ~ sth What did he mean by that remark?
• ‘Perhaps we should try another approach.’ ‘ What do you mean? (= I don't understand what you are suggesting.) ’
• What do you mean, you thought I wouldn't mind? (= of course I mind and I am very angry)
• What she means is that there's no point in waiting here.
• I always found him a little strange, if you know what I mean (= if you understand what I mean by ‘strange’).
• I know what you mean (= I understand and feel sympathy). I hated learning to drive too.
• (informal) It was like— weird. Know what I mean?
• I see what you mean (= I understand although I may not agree), but I still think it's worth trying.
• See what I mean (= I was right and this proves it, doesn't it)? She never agrees to anything I suggest.
• ‘But Pete doesn't know we're here!’ ‘ That's what I mean! (= that's what I have been trying to tell you.) ’
• Do you mean Ann Smith or Mary Smith?
• ~ (that)… Did he mean (that) he was dissatisfied with our service?
• You mean (= are you telling me) we have to start all over again?
HAVE AS PURPOSE
3. to have sth as a purpose or intention
Syn: intend
• ~ sth What did she mean by leaving so early (= why did she do it)?
• Don't laugh! I mean it (= I am serious).
• He means trouble (= to cause trouble).
• ~ sth as sth Don't be upset— I'm sure she meant it as a compliment.
• ~ what… He means what he says (= is not joking, exaggerating, etc.).
• ~ sth for sb/sth The chair was clearly meant for a child.
• Don't be angry. I'm sure she meant it for the best (= intended to be helpful).
• ~ to do sth She means to succeed.
• I'm sorry I hurt you. I didn't mean to.
• I'm feeling very guilty— I've been meaning to call my parents for days, but still haven't got around to it.
• ~ sb/sth to do sth I didn't mean you to read the letter.
• You're meant to (= you are supposed to) pay before you go in.
• ~ (that)… (formal) I never meant (that) you should come alone.
INTEND SB TO BE/DO STH
4. often passive to intend sb to be or do sth
• ~ sb for sth/sb I was never meant for the army (= did not have the qualities needed to become a soldier).
• Duncan and Makiko were meant for each other (= are very suitable as partners).
• ~ sb/sth to be sth His father meant him to be an engineer.
• She did everything to get the two of them together, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be.
HAVE AS RESULT
5. to have sth as a result or a likely result
Syn: entail
• ~ sth Spending too much now will mean a shortage of cash next year.
• ~ to be/do sth Do you have any idea what it means to be poor?
• ~ (that)… We'll have to be careful with money but that doesn't mean (that) we can't enjoy ourselves.
• ~ doing sth This new order will mean working overtime.
• ~ sb/sth doing sth The injury could mean him missing next week's game.
BE IMPORTANT
6. no passive ~ sth to sb to be of value or importance to sb
• Your friendship means a great deal to me.
• $20 means a lot (= represents a lot of money) when you live on $100 a week.
• Money means nothing to him.
• Her children mean the world to her.
Verb forms:
Word Origin:
v. Old English mænan West Germanic Dutch meenen German meinen Indo-European mind
adj. senses 1 to 4 and adj. senses 6 to 8 Middle English Old English gemǣne Germanic Indo-European Latin communis ‘common’ ‘common to two or more people’ ‘inferior in rank’ ‘ignoble, small-minded’
adj. sense 5 and n. Middle English Old French meien Latin medianus ‘middle’ medius ‘mid’
Thesaurus:
mean verb
1. T (not used in the progressive tenses)
• What does this sentence mean?
indicate • • imply • • mark • |formal signify • • denote • |especially journalism signal •
mean/indicate/imply/signify sth to sb
mean/indicate/imply/signify that…
mean/indicate/mark/signify/denote/signal the beginning/start/arrival/end of sth
2. T (not used in the progressive tenses)
• What do you mean by that remark?
suggest • • hint • • imply • |spoken what sb is getting/driving at • |formal intend • |disapproving insinuate •
mean/suggest by/as sth
mean/suggest/hint/imply/insinuate that…
seem/appear to mean/suggest/hint/imply sth
3. T
• I didn't mean to hurt you.
intend • • plan • • aim • |formal propose •
mean/intend/plan/aim/propose to do sth
sb originally meant/intended/planned sth
4. T, usually passive (not used in the progressive tenses)
• His father meant him to be an engineer.
be intended to for/as/to be sth • • design • • be aimed at sth •
be meant/designed/intended for/as sth
be meant/designed/intended to be/do sth
5. T
• This order will mean working overtime.
involve • • entail • • spell • |formal necessitate • • imply •
sth means/implies that…
sth means/involves/entails/necessitates/implies a/an increase/reduction
sth usually/inevitably/necessarily/actually means/involves/entails/implies sth
Language Bank:
i.e.
Explaining what you mean
▪ Some poems are mnemonics, i.e. ▪ they are designed to help you remember something.
▪ Some poems are mnemonics, that is to say ▪, they are designed to help you remember something.
▪ Mnemonic poems, that is ▪ poems designed to help you remember something, are an excellent way to learn lists.
▪ A limerick's rhyme scheme is A–A–B–B–A. In other words ▪, the first, second, and fifth lines all rhyme with one another, while the third and fourth lines have their own rhyme.
▪ In this exercise the reader is encouraged to work out the meaning, or rather ▪ the range of meanings, of the poem.
▪ This is a poem about death, or, more precisely ▪, dying.
▪ He says his poems deal with ‘the big issues’, by which he means ▪ love, loss, grief and death.
Language Bank at about
Example Bank:
• ‘But Pete doesn't know we're here!’ ‘That's what I mean!’
• ‘Perhaps we should try another approach.’ ‘What do you mean?’
• Do you mean Steve Jones or Alex Jones?
• Does the name ‘David Berwick’ mean anything to you?
• Don't be angry. I'm sure she meant it for the best.
• Don't be upset— I'm sure he meant it as a compliment.
• Don't laugh! I mean it.
• He means trouble.
• He means what he says.
• I always found him a little strange, if you know what I mean.
• I didn't mean to read your letter.
• I know what you mean. I hated learning to drive too.
• I see what you mean, but I still think it's worth trying.
• I was never meant for the army.
• I'm sorry I hurt you. I didn't mean to.
• I've been meaning to call her, but I've been so busy lately.
• It was like— weird. Know what I mean?
• Mr President, does this mean an end to the current conflict?
• Philip and Kim were meant for each other.
• See what I mean She never agrees to anything I suggest.
• The cost would have meant financial ruin for us.
• The house was clearly meant to be a family home.
• The injury could mean him missing next week's game.
• There was a rack by the door presumably meant for umbrellas.
• They are not using the system in the way the manufacturer meant it to be used.
• Touching the wires means instant death.
• We'll have to be careful with money but that doesn't mean (that) we can't enjoy ourselves.
• What did she mean by leaving so early = why did she do it?
• What do you mean, you thought I wouldn't mind?
• What is meant by ‘batch processing’?
• What she means is that there is no point in waiting here.
• You mean we have to start all over again?
• You're meant to pay before you go in.
Idioms: I mean ▪ happy mean ▪ mean business ▪ mean no harm ▪ mean to say ▪ mean well ▪ meant to be something ▪ no mean … ▪ not mean any harm
Derived Words: meanly ▪ meanness
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
mean / miːn / verb ( meant , meant ) (EXPRESS)
A2 [ T ] to express or represent something such as an idea, thought, or fact:
What does this word mean?
[ + that ] These figures mean that almost six percent of the working population is unemployed.
What do you mean by that remark?
She's quite odd though. Do you know what I mean?
[ T ] used to add emphasis to what you are saying:
I want you home by midnight. And I mean midnight.
Give it back now! I mean it .
Collins Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary
mean
I [mi͟ːn]VERB USES
means, meaning, meant
(Please look at category 19 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.)
1) VERB: no cont If you want to know what a word, code, signal, or gesture means, you want to know what it refers to or what its message is.
[V n] In modern Welsh, `glas' means `blue'...
[V n] What does `evidence' mean?...
[V that] The red signal means you can shoot.
Syn:
signify
2) VERB: no cont If you ask someone what they mean, you are asking them to explain exactly what or who they are referring to or what they are intending to say.
[V n] Do you mean me?...
[V n] Let me illustrate what I mean with an old story...
[V n] What do you think he means by that?...
[V that] I think he means that he does not want this marriage to turn out like his friend's.
3) VERB: no cont If something means something to you, it is important to you in some way.
[V amount to n] The idea that she witnessed this shameful incident meant nothing to him...
[it V amount to-inf] It would mean a lot to them to win. [Also V amount]
4) VERB: no cont If one thing means another, it shows that the second thing exists or is true.
[V n] An enlarged prostate does not necessarily mean cancer...
[V that] Just because he has a beard doesn't necessarily mean he's a hippy.
Syn:
prove
5) VERB: no cont If one thing means another, the first thing leads to the second thing happening.
[V n] It would almost certainly mean the end of NATO...
[V n] Trade and product discounts can also mean big savings...
[V that] The change will mean that the country no longer has full diplomatic relations with other states.
6) VERB If doing one thing means doing another, it involves doing the second thing.
[V -ing] Children universally prefer to live in peace and security, even if that means living with only one parent...
[V -ing] Managing well means communicating well.
Syn:
involve
7) VERB: no cont If you say that you mean what you are saying, you are telling someone that you are serious about it and are not joking, exaggerating, or just being polite.
[V n] He says you're fired if you're not back at work on Friday. And I think he meant it...
[V n] He could see I meant what I said. So he took his fur coat and left.
8) VERB: no cont If you say that someone meant to do something, you are saying that they did it deliberately.
[V to-inf] I didn't mean to hurt you...
[V to-inf] If that sounds harsh, it is meant to...
[V to-inf] Did you mean to leave your dog here?...
[V n to-inf] I can see why you believed my letters were threatening but I never meant them to be.
Syn:
intend
9) VERB: no cont, with brd-neg If you say that someone did not mean any harm, offence, or disrespect, you are saying that they did not intend to upset or offend people or to cause problems, even though they may in fact have done so.
[V n] I'm sure he didn't mean any harm...
[V n] I didn't mean any offence. It was a flippant, off-the-cuff remark.
Syn:
intend
10) VERB: no cont If you mean to do something, you intend or plan to do it.
[V to-inf] Summer is the perfect time to catch up on the new books you meant to read...
[V to-inf] You know very well what I meant to say...
[V to-inf] I mean to look after my body.
Syn:
intend
11) VERB: usu passive, no cont If you say that something was meant to happen, you believe that it was made to happen by God or fate, and did not just happen by chance.
[be V-ed to-inf] John was constantly reassuring me that we were meant to be together.
Syn:
destined
12) PHRASE: PHR with cl You say `I mean' when making clearer something that you have just said. [SPOKEN]
It was his idea. Gordon's, I mean...
Is something upsetting you - I mean, apart from this business?
13) PHRASE: PHR with cl You can use `I mean' to introduce a statement, especially one that justifies something that you have just said. [SPOKEN]
I'm sure he wouldn't mind. I mean, I was the one who asked him...
They were filled with racial stereotypes, I mean, it looked like something from the 1930s.
14) PHRASE: PHR with cl You say I mean when correcting something that you have just said. [SPOKEN]
It was law or classics - I mean English or classics.
Syn:
sorry
15) PHRASE: Vs inflect, oft PHR to-inf If you know what it means to do something, you know everything that is involved in a particular activity or experience, especially the effect that it has on you.
I know what it means to lose a child under such tragic circumstances.
16) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n If a name, word, or phrase means something to you, you have heard it before and you know what it refers to.
`Oh, Gairdner,' he said, as if that meant something to him...
Does the word `Fareham' mean anything to anyone?
17) PHRASE: V inflects If you say that someone means well, you mean they are trying to be kind and helpful, even though they might be causing someone problems or upsetting them.
I know you mean well, but I can manage by myself.
18) PHRASE: PHR with cl You use `you mean' in a question to check that you have understood what someone has said.
What accident? You mean Christina's?...
`What if I had said no?' `About the apartment, you mean?'
19) to mean business → see business
if you know what I mean → see know
→ See also meaning, meantII [mi͟ːn]ADJECTIVE USES
meaner, meanest
1) ADJ-GRADED (disapproval) If you describe someone as mean, you are being critical of them because they are unwilling to spend much money or to use very much of a particular thing. [mainly BRIT]
Don't be mean with fabric, otherwise curtains will end up looking skimpy.
Syn:
stingy
Derived words:
meanness N-UNCOUNT This very careful attitude to money can sometimes border on meanness.(in AM, use cheap, stingy)
2) ADJ-GRADED (disapproval) If you describe an amount as mean, you are saying that it is very small. [BRIT]
...the meanest grant possible from the local council.
3) ADJ-GRADED: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to n If someone is being mean, they are being unkind to another person, for example by not allowing them to do something.
The little girls had locked themselves in upstairs because Mack had been mean to them...
I'd feel mean saying no.
Syn:
unkind
Derived words:
meanly ADV-GRADED usu ADV with v, also ADV adj He had been behaving very meanly to his girlfriend.
4) ADJ-GRADED If you describe a person or animal as mean, you are saying that they are very bad-tempered and cruel. [mainly AM]
The state's former commissioner of prisons once called Leonard the meanest man he'd ever seen.
5) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n If you describe a place as mean, you think that it looks poor and dirty.
He was raised on the mean streets of the central market district of Panama City.
6) ADJ: ADJ n (approval) You can use mean in expressions such as `He plays a mean trumpet' and `She mixes a mean cocktail' to indicate that someone does something extremely well. [INFORMAL]
He cooks a mean salmon...
Marge played a mean game of tennis.
7) PHRASE: PHR n (approval) You can use no mean in expressions such as `no mean writer' and `no mean golfer' to indicate that someone does something well. [INFORMAL]
She was no mean performer on a variety of other instruments...
Moreover, Ramsay was no mean thinker himself.
8) PHRASE: PHR n You can use no mean in expressions such as `no mean achievement' and `no mean task' to indicate that someone has done something they deserve to be proud of.
To destroy 121 enemy aircraft is no mean record...
Repton reached the final, and since around 1,500 schools entered the competition, that was no mean achievement.III [mi͟ːn]NOUN USE
N-SING: the N, oft N n
The mean is a number that is the average of a set of numbers.
→ See also means
Take a hundred and twenty values and calculate the mean.
...the mean score for 26-year-olds.
Syn:
average
Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary
1mean /ˈmiːn/ verb means; meant /ˈmɛnt/; mean·ing
1 not used in progressive tenses [+ obj] : to have (a particular meaning)
• What does this word mean in English? = What is meant in English by this word?
• The word meant one thing in Shakespeare's day, but it means something else now.
• The abbreviation “U.S.” means [=stands for] “United States.”
• Red means “stop” and green means “go.”
• Can you tell me what my dream means?
• “Bonjour” is a French word meaning “hello.” = “Bonjour” is a French word that means “hello.”
2 not used in progressive tenses [+ obj] : to want or intend to express (a particular idea or meaning)
• I meant what I said. [=I was sincere when I said it]
• What was meant by the poet?
• Don't distort what she meant by taking her words out of context.
• When she says the play was “interesting,” she means (that) it wasn't very good.
• He's very ambitious, and I mean that as a compliment.
• It's a very easy question. Anyone, and I mean anyone, should be able to answer it.
• You hold it like this. (Do you) See what I mean? [=do you understand what I'm showing you?]
• She's not getting any thinner, if you know/get what I mean.
• “He can be a little difficult. (Do you) Know what I mean?”
• “He can be a little difficult.” “What/How do you mean?” = “Meaning?” [=what exactly do you mean when you say that?]
• “He can be a little difficult.” “I know what you mean.” [=I agree]
• “He can be a little difficult.” “What's that supposed to mean?” [=I am surprised that you would say that; I don't agree with what you are saying]
3 [+ obj] : to have (something) in your mind as a purpose or goal
• Just what do you mean (by) coming into my room without knocking? [=what is your reason for coming into my room without knocking?]
• She says she didn't mean anything by what she did.
• She didn't mean (you) any harm. = She meant no harm (to you). [=she did not intend to cause any harm (to you)]
• I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings. I meant (you) no offense/disrespect.
• I don't trust him. He means no good.
- often followed by to + verb
• He didn't mean [=intend] to do any harm.
• She means to win.
• I keep meaning to visit you—I just never seem to get around to it.
• He says he never meant to hurt her.
4 not used in progressive tenses
a : to plan for or want (someone or something) to do or to be something
[+ obj]
- often + as
• His comment was meant [=intended] as a joke.
- often followed by to + verb
• We meant her to come with us.
• She meant her remarks to be funny.
• “What you said hurt his feelings!” “Well, I meant it to!”
[no obj]
(chiefly US) - + for
• We meant for her to come with us.
b [+ obj] : to want (something that you control, provide, or have made) to be used for a particular purpose or by a particular person - often + for
• I meant [=intended] the flowers for you, not for your sister.
• The book was meant for children, but it is popular with adults too.
• His criticism is meant for all of us.
- often followed by to + verb
• They meant the book to be a present.
- sometimes + as
• They meant the book as a present.
5 not used in progressive tenses [+ obj] : to make a statement to or about (someone)
• “Hey, you!” “I'm sorry: do you mean me?” [=are you talking to me?]
• “Some people here are too bossy!” “Do you mean me?” [=are you referring to me?]
6 not used in progressive tenses [+ obj]
a : to indicate or show (something that is going to happen)
• Those clouds mean rain. = Those clouds mean (that) it's going to rain.
• When he gets that angry look in his eyes, you know it means trouble. [=you know that there will be trouble]
b : to cause or result in (something)
• The bad weather could mean further delays.
c : to involve or require (something) as a necessary part
• Becoming a concert pianist means practicing a lot. [=if you're going to become a concert pianist you have to practice a lot]
• I'll get the work done today even if it means staying late.
7 not used in progressive tenses [+ obj]
- used to say or ask how important something is to someone; usually + to
• How much does your health mean to you? [=how important is your health to you?]
• It means a lot to me to know that you believe me.
• “I believe you.” “Thank you. You don't know how much that means to me.”
• Your good opinion means a great deal to me.
• He claims that money means nothing to him. [=that he does not care at all about money]
• Her words meant nothing to me. [=I did not care what she said]
• I thought our friendship meant something to you. [=I thought that you cared about our friendship]
• His wife means everything to him. = His wife means the world to him. [=he loves his wife very much]
I mean informal
1
- used to emphasize a statement
• He has to stop drinking. I mean, he's going to kill himself if he keeps it up.
• He throws, I mean, really hard!
2
- used to correct a previous statement
• We met in Toronto—I mean Montreal.
3
- used when you are unsure of what to say or how to say it
• I'm not mad. It's just that, I mean, I think you've been acting a little selfishly.
know what it means : to understand what it is like to do or be something
• I know what it means to be poor.
- usually used in negative statements
• You don't know what it means to be truly alone.
- sometimes used in an exaggerated way to make a forceful statement
• I don't know what it means to surrender! [=I will never surrender]
mean business
- see business
meant for (someone) informal : perfectly suited for (someone)
• You were meant for me and I was meant for you.
• I'm not surprised that they have such a happy marriage. I always knew that they were meant for each other.
- see also 1mean 4b (above)
meant to be/do something
1 : intended to do or be something
• I was never meant to teach.
• They knew as soon as they met that they were meant to be together.
• I thought we could be friends, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be. [=it was not destined to happen]
2 Brit : supposed to be or do something
• The buses are meant [=expected] to arrive every 15 minutes.
• Brighton is meant to be very beautiful at this time of year. [=people say that Brighton is very beautiful at this time of year]
mean well : to want to do good or helpful things : to have good intentions
• He means well, but he's not really helping anyone.
- see also well-meaning