mean · v
be meant for sb/sth
C1 to be made or created for someone or something
Dictionary examples:
These toys are really meant for babies. (13.0)
mean well
C2 to intend to be helpful or kind but cause problems instead
Dictionary examples:
He means well, but he keeps trying to help with things he doesn't really understand. (21.1)
mean (MEANING)
A2 to have a particular meaning
Dictionary examples:
Does a yellow traffic light mean 'go faster'? (0.0)
Does 'LOL' mean 'lots of love' or 'laugh out loud'? (0.0)
In my house, 'clean your room' means 'hide everything under the bed'. (0.0)
The red light means stop. (14.7)
What does "gather" mean? (22.3)
mean (HAVE RESULT)
B1 to have or need a particular result
Dictionary examples:
Forgetting to set my alarm means I'll be running to work again! (0.0)
Dating a chef means I'll never have to cook or be hungry again! (0.0)
Being invisible means I can finally attend meetings in my pajamas! (0.0)
These changes will mean better health care for everyone. (15.2)
If we want to catch the 7:30 train, that will mean leaving the house at 6:00. (40.4)
Advances in electronics mean that the technology is already available. (41.0)
Lower costs mean lower prices. (54.7)
mean (INTEND)
B1 to intend
Dictionary examples:
She meant to hug her boss, but she headbutted him by mistake. (0.0)
I meant to learn French, but I ended up speaking gibberish instead. (0.0)
I meant to order a pizza, but I accidentally called the police instead. (0.0)
I think she meant 8 o’clock, although she said 7 o’clock. (20.3)
Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. (20.5)
mean (EXPRESS)
B1 to intend to express a fact or opinion
Dictionary examples:
I meant to ask for a raise, but I accidentally quit my job! (0.0)
I meant to say 'You look nice,' not 'Your nose is a bit long.' (0.0)
When I said you're 'one in a million,' I didn't mean to insult 7 billion people! (0.0)
I didn't mean that as a criticism. (26.1)
That's what I meant when I said he's been acting oddly. (57.9)
What exactly do you mean by "old-fashioned"? (82.8)
mean (HAVE IMPORTANCE)
B1 to have an important emotional effect on someone
Dictionary examples:
His lucky socks mean more to him than any trophy. (0.0)
His collection of bad jokes means more to him than money. (0.0)
My pet rock means more to me than my expensive smartphone. (0.0)
It wasn't a valuable picture but it meant a lot to me. (25.2)
Possessions mean nothing to him. (32.8)
I mean
A2 something that you say in order to correct yourself
Dictionary examples:
I'm rich... I mean, I have $5 in my pocket. (0.0)
I'm a chef... I mean, I can make toast. (0.0)
I speak French... I mean, I can say 'bonjour'. (0.0)
We went there in May - I mean June. (13.0)
have been meaning to do sth
B1 to have been wanting and planning to do something
Dictionary examples:
I've been meaning to save money, but my wallet has holes. (0.0)
I've been meaning to start exercising, but my couch is too comfortable. (0.0)
I've been meaning to study, but my Netflix account keeps seducing me. (0.0)
I've been meaning to call you for weeks. (10.7)