mean
UK[miːn]US[miːn]
v
to have a particular meaning or represent something
v
to intend to express or refer to something
v
to intend a particular result or outcome
adj
unkind or unpleasant
adj
unwilling to share or give; stingy
adj
average; calculated by adding amounts together and dividing by the number of amounts
n
the average value of a set of numbers
n
a point, quality, or condition midway between extremes
Etymology
The modern English word 'mean' is a fascinating homograph, representing the merger of three distinct Old English ancestors. The verb 'mean' (to intend or signify) derives from Old English 'mǣnan', meaning "to tell, intend, complain," from Proto-Germanic mainijaną, related to the concept of opinion or intent. The adjective 'mean' (unkind or stingy) originates from Old English 'gemǣne', meaning "common, shared, general," from Proto-Germanic gamainiz, which evolved to imply something low or vulgar, hence its negative connotations. The mathematical 'mean' (average) entered English in the 14th century from Old French 'meien', itself from Latin 'medianus' (middle), via the idea of an intermediate value. This convergence of separate linguistic streams into a single modern form is a classic example of homophonic and orthographic merger in the history of English.
Analysis
This word is a simplex form. It represents a convergence of three distinct Old English words that have fallen together in modern spelling and pronunciation but retain separate meanings and etymological paths.
Examples
What does this unfamiliar symbol mean?
It was mean of him to hide the toys from the younger children.
The mean temperature for July was significantly higher than the historical average.