How to Use "Mean" with Example Sentences

mean (v): to indicate; to try to express or show

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Used with nouns:

"Her name means peace."
(name)

"This symbol means to be careful."
(symbol, sign, term, word, expression)

"This usually means trouble."
(trouble, danger, caution)

mean (adj): cruel; not nice

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Used with nouns:

"She's a mean person."
(person)

"He's got a mean streak."
(streak, spirit)

"That was a mean trick."
(trick)

Used with adverbs:

"He is extremely mean to his little sister."
(extremely, very, fairly)

Used with verbs:

"She is mean to the kids in her neighborhood."
(be: is/am/are, seems)

"He has become very mean to his family."
(has become)

Used with prepositions:

"You are so mean to him."
(to)