What Does "MEAN" Mean? The Complete Mean Definition
The meaning of MEAN is to intend, signify, or express something, and the MEAN definition also includes “being unkind or unpleasant” as an adjective, depending on context. In everyday English, the word can work as a verb (“What do you mean?”), an adjective (“That was a mean comment”), and in some cases a noun in specialized usage, though the verb and adjective are by far the most common. If you’re asking what does MEAN mean, the answer depends on how it is used in the sentence.
The word has several dictionary-verifiable senses, which is why the MEAN meaning can confuse word-game players. It can describe purpose or intent, explain significance, or describe someone who is cruel, petty, or snide. The etymology traces back to Old English mænan, meaning “to intend” or “complain,” with related roots in Germanic languages. Because of that history, MEAN definition has broadened over time, but the core idea of intention or character has remained.
Mean Synonyms: Words Similar to MEAN
Synonyms for MEAN include words that fit different senses of the term, depending on whether you mean “unkind” or “signify.”
- Cruel — Stronger than MEAN when describing deliberate harm or lack of compassion.
- Unkind — A softer, more everyday choice for rude or hurtful behavior.
- Petty — Similar to MEAN when the behavior is small-minded or spiteful rather than openly harsh.
- Snide — Best for insulting comments that are sly or sarcastic, not direct.
- Nasty — Broader and more forceful, often used for unpleasant behavior or tone.
- Malicious — Implies intent to hurt, which is more serious than casual MEAN behavior.
- Signify — A verb synonym for MEAN in the sense of “to indicate” or “to represent.”
How to Use "MEAN" in a Sentence: Real Examples
Here are a few examples of MEAN in a sentence across different contexts:
- What do you mean by that remark?
- She made a mean comment about his presentation.
- In this chart, the arrow means “increase.”
- The average of the three numbers is the mean.
MEAN in NYT Connections #1104 — Why Did It Appear?
In NYT Connections #1104 on 2026-04-03, MEAN appeared in the Yellow group titled “CATTY”, alongside PETTY, SMALL, and SNIDE. That category logic works because all four words can describe a sharp, unkind, or spiteful attitude, which makes a little deceptive if you only think of its most common verb sense. Players who didn’t catch the “CATTY” theme may have been stuck asking . As a , it was tricky because the word feels ordinary, but here it points to personality and tone, not intent.