A1 verb Neutre #108 le plus courant

mean

/miːn/

To have a specific sense or significance, especially when explaining a word or sign. It can also describe a person's intention or the importance of something to someone.

Exemples

3 sur 5
1

What does this word mean?

What is the definition of this word?

2

I am not sure I understand what you mean by that proposal.

I don't understand your specific intention with that proposal.

3

I didn't mean to step on your toe!

I did not intend to step on your foot.

Famille de mots

Nom
meaning
Verb
mean
Adverbe
meaningfully
Adjectif
meaningful
Apparenté
means
💡

Astuce mémo

Think of the letter 'M' in 'Mean' as standing for 'Message.' What is the message or definition of this word?

Quiz rapide

I'm sorry, I didn't _____ to break your vase.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : mean

Exemples

1

What does this word mean?

everyday

What is the definition of this word?

2

I am not sure I understand what you mean by that proposal.

formal

I don't understand your specific intention with that proposal.

3

I didn't mean to step on your toe!

informal

I did not intend to step on your foot.

4

In this study, 'frequent' means occurring more than five times.

academic

In this paper, 'frequent' is defined as occurring more than five times.

5

A delay in shipping means we will miss the deadline.

business

A shipping delay indicates we will be late for the deadline.

Famille de mots

Nom
meaning
Verb
mean
Adverbe
meaningfully
Adjectif
meaningful
Apparenté
means

Collocations courantes

mean a lot to be very important to someone
mean to do something to intend to perform an action
exactly what I mean precisely the point I am making
what do you mean? a request for clarification
mean business to be serious about a situation

Phrases Courantes

I mean

used to correct or clarify a previous statement

by all means

of course or certainly

mean well

to have good intentions despite a bad result

Souvent confondu avec

mean vs means

'Mean' as a verb refers to significance, while 'means' as a noun refers to a method or way of doing something.

mean vs mean (adjective)

The verb refers to intention or definition, whereas the adjective can mean unkind or describe a mathematical average.

📝

Notes d'usage

When asking for a definition, use the present simple: 'What does [word] mean?'. When expressing intention, follow 'mean' with 'to' plus the infinitive verb.

⚠️

Erreurs courantes

Learners often forget the 's' for the third person singular (e.g., 'It mean...' instead of 'It means...'). Another mistake is saying 'I mean do it' instead of the correct 'I mean to do it'.

💡

Astuce mémo

Think of the letter 'M' in 'Mean' as standing for 'Message.' What is the message or definition of this word?

📖

Origine du mot

Derived from the Old English word 'mænan,' which meant to tell, say, or intend.

Modèles grammaticaux

Subject + mean + noun/clause (asking for meaning) Subject + mean + to + infinitive (expressing intention) Past tense is irregular: meant /ment/

Quiz rapide

I'm sorry, I didn't _____ to break your vase.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : mean

Mots lis

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

people

A1

People refers to a group of human beings or the general public. It is the standard plural form of the word 'person'.

put

A1

To move something into a particular place or position. It is a fundamental verb used to describe the act of placing an object or setting a situation in a specific location.

keep

A1

To continue to have or hold something in your possession or at your disposal. It also means to remain in a specific state, condition, or position without changing.

begin

A1

To start doing something or for an event to happen for the first time. It is often used to describe the first point of a process or activity.

seem

A1

To give the impression of being something or having a particular quality based on what you see or hear. It is used to describe an appearance or feeling that may or may not be the actual truth.

help

A1

To make it easier for someone to do something by offering your services, resources, or support. It can involve physical effort, providing information, or giving money to assist a person or a cause.

talk

A1

To speak in order to give information or express ideas, feelings, or thoughts. It typically involves a conversation between two or more people or a person addressing an audience.

start

A1

To begin doing something or to cause something to happen for the first time. It is frequently used when talking about movements, journeys, or making a machine or engine begin to work.

show

A1

To allow something to be seen by pointing it out or displaying it. It can also mean to explain or demonstrate how to do a specific task.

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