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| mean [ meen ] (past and past participle meant [ ment ], present participle mean·ing, 3rd person present singular means) |
transitive verb |
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| Definition: |
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1. have particular sense: to indicate or represent a particular sense
  I don't know what half these words mean.
When he raises his hand, it means he's making a bid.
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2. intend to express something: to intend or be intended to express a particular idea in speech or writing
That's not quite what I meant.
Just what's that supposed to mean?
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3. intend to do something: to have an intention to do something
I didn't mean to upset you.
I've been meaning to call you for weeks.
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4. express opinion or intention: to be serious in expressing a definite opinion or intention
She says she's resigning, and I think this time she means it.
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5. be cause or sign of something: to be a cause or indication of something
The strike will mean a hard winter for many families.
A red sunset means fine weather.
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6. go with something: to accompany or be associated with something
For Sam, summer meant golf.
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| [ Old English mānan< Indo-European] |
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mean well to have good intentions
Don't be offended - I'm sure she means well.
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