Mean
/miːn/noun
To signify or represent; to intend or convey a particular sense.
Did you know?In ancient times, 'mean' was associated with the concept of being 'lowly' or 'base', linking it to both moral and social standings—an echo of its darker implications.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*men-
“to think or to have in mind; to intend.”
Old English
Old English
mēna
“to signify or indicate.”
Middle English
Middle English
menen
“to intend or denote.”
14th Century
Middle English
mene
“having a middle ground or average, reflecting both the idea of moderation and low status.”
Modern English
English
mean
“to convey or signify, often used with a moral connotation of being base or low.”