mean

/min/

Reviewed on

Also an adjective and a noun

Meaning

  1. To have a specific meaning or express a particular idea.

    • The red light on the dashboard means that your oil pressure is dangerously low.

  2. To intend to convey or achieve a particular result or idea.

    • I did not mean to offend anyone with my blunt feedback during the meeting.

  3. To have a specified degree of importance or emotional value to someone.

    • Her handwritten note meant a great deal to him after the difficult week.

How it's used

When this means “signify a concept or consequence”

  • mean that

A flashing red light means that you must come to a complete stop.

When this means “have emotional significance”

  • mean a lot to the family

“mean a lot to them.”

The gift meant so much to the whole family.

Collocations

  • mean business
  • mean well
  • mean a lot

Synonyms

Idioms

  • mean the world to

    to be extremely important to someone

    Her support through college meant the world to him.

  • I mean

    used to explain or correct what you just said

    The hotel was nice. I mean, it wasn't fancy, but it was clean.