mehuman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1Universal (found in all registers from formal to informal)
Quick answer
What does “mehuman” mean?
To intend to convey, indicate, or refer to.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To intend to convey, indicate, or refer to; to signify.
Also denotes unkindness, stinginess, low quality, inferiority, or to intend a particular result.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Very few. 'Mean' as an adjective for 'unkind' is slightly more common in BrE informal use. The mathematical 'mean' (average) is identical.
Connotations
In both, 'mean' as an adjective strongly connotes pettiness, spite, or lack of generosity.
Frequency
Equally high-frequency in both variants.
Grammar
How to Use “mehuman” in a Sentence
Subject + mean + object (What does 'peruse' mean?)Subject + mean + to-infinitive (I meant to post the letter.)Subject + mean + that-clause (This means that we must start again.)It + mean + that-clause (It means we're late.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mehuman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- What do you mean by that remark?
- I meant to catch the earlier train.
- The red light means you must stop.
American English
- What does this legal term mean?
- I mean to finish this project today.
- More traffic usually means longer delays.
adjective
British English
- It was a bit mean not to invite her.
- He's got a mean serve in tennis.
- They live in a mean little flat.
American English
- Don't be mean to your little sister.
- She plays a mean game of poker.
- They grew up in a mean neighborhood.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to averages (the mean average) or intentions ('This new policy means significant changes').
Academic
Used to define terms, explain significance, or present statistical averages.
Everyday
Most common for stating intention ('Sorry, I didn't mean to bump you') or asking for clarification.
Technical
Primarily statistical/mathematical ('arithmetic mean', 'geometric mean').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mehuman”
- *What means this word? (Correct: What does this word mean?)
- *He is meaning to leave. (Correct, but simple present 'He means to leave' is more common for states.)
- Confusing 'mean' (adj) with 'aggressive' (mean implies petty unkindness, not necessarily physical threat).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in its core meaning of 'signify' or 'intend,' it is stative. We typically don't use continuous forms (e.g., 'is meaning') except in rare, emphatic contexts (e.g., 'You're *really* meaning this, aren't you?').
In statistics, 'mean' is a specific type of average (the arithmetic mean). 'Average' can sometimes refer to the mean, but also more generally to a typical value. In everyday language, they are often used interchangeably for the arithmetic mean.
'Think' relates to thoughts or opinions in your mind. 'Mean' relates to the intention or significance behind your words or actions. You can think something without saying it, but you can only mean something if you express it (or intend to express it).
Not on its own. The related noun is 'meaning' (the significance of something). The word 'means' (always plural) is a separate noun meaning 'method' or 'financial resources' (e.g., 'a means of transport', 'a man of means').
To intend to convey, indicate, or refer to.
Mehuman is usually universal (found in all registers from formal to informal) in register.
Mehuman: in British English it is pronounced /miːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /min/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Mean business”
- “By all means”
- “By no means”
- “A mean streak”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A MEAN person doesn't SHARE their M&Ms. They INTEND (mean) to keep them all, which SIGNIFIES (means) they are ungenerous.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A CONTAINER (Words contain/mean ideas). INTENTION IS A PATH (I meant to go there).
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'He's a mean chess player,' what is the most likely meaning of 'mean'?