meanest
meanest — 形容詞
- meanestpositive
- more meanestcomparative
- most meanestsuperlative
1. Someone who is mean is not willing to share or spend their money or belongings,
吝嗇的
不願分享或花費金錢財物的
Someone who is mean is not willing to share or spend their money or belongings, even when they have enough and others need them. The superlative form 'meanest' describes the person who shows this quality most strongly.
The meanest landlord in town refused to fix the broken heater all winter.
鎮上最吝嗇的房東整個冬天都拒絕修理壞掉的暖氣。
collocation: meanest + [noun] for extreme stinginess
Hao's uncle is so mean that he still uses the same teabag three times.
Hao 的叔叔很小氣，同一個茶包要泡三次才肯丟掉。
pattern: so mean that + [result clause]
Emma called her roommate mean for never buying snacks to share with the others.
Emma 說她的室友很小氣，因為從來不買零食跟大家分享。
It was the stingiest tip Tomás had ever seen — just fifty cents on a large meal.
這是 Tomás 見過最小氣的小費——一頓大餐只給了五十分錢。
- stingy
direct synonym; stingy focuses on reluctance to spend money in general
- tight-fisted
informal, more emphatic than mean
- miserly
formal; describes someone who hoards money, often with negative moral judgment
文法句型
mean + about/with + [noun]
用法筆記
Common in informal speech about everyday money habits. The superlative 'meanest' is frequently used to criticise people with power (landlords, bosses) who refuse to spend on others' needs.
常見錯誤
2. Saying or doing things that deliberately hurt, upset, or offend other people. Th
刻薄的
故意說或做傷害他人感受的
Saying or doing things that deliberately hurt, upset, or offend other people. The superlative 'meanest' describes the most unkind action or person.
The meanest thing Talia ever did was spread a rumor about her closest friend.
Talia 做過最刻薄的事，就是散布關於她最好朋友的謠言。
pattern: the meanest thing + [someone] + ever + did
Why are those boys being so mean to the new student in class?
那些男生為什麼要對班上新來的同學那麼刻薄？
collocation: mean to [someone]
Nkechi's supervisor was especially mean to the interns during their first week at work.
Nkechi 的主管在他們實習的第一週對他們特別刻薄。
It was very mean of Mert to mock his brother in front of the dinner guests.
Mert 在晚餐客人面前嘲笑他的弟弟，真是太過分了。
Dahlia regretted the mean joke she had told about her colleague's accent.
Dahlia 很後悔開了那個嘲笑同事口音的刻薄玩笑。
文法句型
mean + to + [someone]
it is mean of + [someone] + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Common in children's language and everyday adult speech about social behaviour. Frequently used with 'to' (be mean to someone). Distinguish from sense 1 (STINGY) which is about money — sense 2 is about cruelty or unkindness of any kind.
常見錯誤
3. Dangerous in appearance or behaviour, so that people feel threatened or scared.
兇狠的
外表或行為危險、令人感到威脅的
Dangerous in appearance or behaviour, so that people feel threatened or scared. The superlative 'meanest' describes the person or animal that looks or acts the most frightening.
The atmosphere in the bar turned mean after midnight when the crowd grew rowdy.
過了午夜，酒吧裡的氣氛變得兇險起來，人群開始鼓譟。
collocation: turn mean (of a situation)
Hari's dog looks mean with those sharp teeth, but it is actually very gentle.
Hari 的狗長得很兇，牙齒尖尖的，但其實個性非常溫和。
collocation: look mean (appearance)
A mean-looking stray cat hissed at Manuela from behind the dumpster.
一隻長相兇惡的流浪貓在垃圾箱後面對著 Manuela 發出嘶嘶聲。
The alley behind the warehouse was known for being mean even during daylight hours.
倉庫後面的那條小巷即使在白天也以危險出名。
文法句型
be + mean
look + mean
用法筆記
Often describes places, situations, or animals rather than people. 'Mean-looking' is a common compound adjective. This sense overlaps with 'scary' or 'threatening' but implies potential violence, not just fear.
常見錯誤
4. Very skilful or impressive at making or doing something, especially in cooking o
超棒的
非常出色或技藝精湛的（固定搭配）
Very skilful or impressive at making or doing something, especially in cooking or playing music. Used in the fixed structure 'a mean + [noun]'. The superlative 'meanest' does not naturally occur in this sense.
Ari can play a mean piano — everyone in the bar stops to listen when she starts.
Ari 的鋼琴彈得超棒——她一彈起來，酒吧裡所有人都停下來聽。
fixed structure: a mean + [noun]
Emma's grandmother makes a mean batch of chocolate chip cookies every Sunday.
Emma 的奶奶每個星期天都會烤一批超好吃的巧克力餅乾。
collocation: a mean batch of [food]
Mert can build a mean bookshelf with nothing but scrap wood and a hammer.
Mert 單用廢木料和一把鎚子就能做出超棒的書架。
That food truck behind the station serves a mean bowl of beef noodles for six dollars.
車站後面那輛餐車賣的超棒牛肉麵只要六塊美元。
- excellent
standard equivalent, formal register; no article constraint
- outstanding
formal and emphatic; implies better than most
- great
simple everyday synonym
文法句型
mean + [noun phrase] — 'a mean [skill/product]'
用法筆記
This sense only appears in the fixed expression 'a mean + [noun]' — do not use 'mean' alone to mean 'excellent'. The superlative 'meanest' is rarely used with this meaning because the structure requires the indefinite article 'a'.
常見錯誤
5. Describing a place or building that is rundown, dirty, and of noticeably low qua
破舊的
品質低劣、骯髒且殘破不堪的
Describing a place or building that is rundown, dirty, and of noticeably low quality — so neglected that it feels unpleasant to be there.
The family lived in a mean little apartment with no running water or electricity.
那家人住在一間沒有自來水和電的破舊小公寓裡。
collocation: mean little [place]
Zola grew up in a mean part of town, but she never let her surroundings stop her.
Zola 在鎮上一個破舊的區域長大，但她從未被環境擊倒。
The hotel room was so mean that the sheets had holes and the pillows were stained.
那間旅館房間破爛到床單有破洞、枕頭上有污漬。
Chiara refused to stay in that mean-looking hostel near the train station.
Chiara 拒絕住進火車站附近那間看起來破舊不堪的青年旅館。
文法句型
mean + [noun]
用法筆記
Often combined with 'little' for emphasis ('a mean little shack'). This sense is somewhat old-fashioned in British English but still current. Distinguish from sense 1 (STINGY) — this is about physical quality, not generosity.
常見錯誤
6. Relating to the mathematical average — the number you get by adding two or more
平均的
數學上總和除以個數所得的數值
Relating to the mathematical average — the number you get by adding two or more values together and dividing by the quantity of those values. Used in statistics and research.
The mean temperature in Taipei during July is about twenty-nine degrees Celsius.
台北七月的平均氣溫大約是攝氏二十九度。
collocation: mean temperature
Researchers calculated the mean score from all two hundred test results.
研究人員計算了全部兩百份測驗結果的平均分數。
The mean height of adult women in this region is one hundred sixty-two centimeters.
該地區成年女性的平均身高為一百六十二公分。
To find the mean value, add all the numbers together and divide by the total count.
要計算平均值，請將所有數字相加，再除以總個數。
文法句型
mean + [noun]
用法筆記
Always used before a noun (attributive) — mean temperature, mean score, mean value. This is a specialised mathematical sense. In everyday conversation, 'average' is far more common. The superlative 'meanest' does not occur naturally with this sense.
常見錯誤
meanest — 名詞
1. A single value used to summarise a collection of numbers — worked out by adding
平均值
多個數值相加後除以總數的結果
A single value used to summarise a collection of numbers — worked out by adding them together and then splitting that sum equally across however many numbers there are. Often called the average.
The mean of five, seven, and twelve is eight.
五、七和十二的平均值是八。
pattern: the mean of + [numbers]
Talia's exam scores were all above the class mean this semester.
Talia 這學期的考試成績都高於班級平均值。
collocation: above / below the mean
The mean of the monthly temperatures gave the researchers a clear climate trend.
月平均溫度讓研究人員清楚看見了氣候變化的趨勢。
Tomás calculated the mean of his monthly expenses to set a realistic budget.
Tomás 計算了每月開支的平均值，以便訂出合理的預算。
文法句型
the mean + of + [plural noun]
用法筆記
In mathematics, 'mean' and 'average' are often used interchangeably, though 'mean' specifically refers to the arithmetic mean. This sense is the noun form of adjective sense 6 (AVERAGE).
常見錯誤
2. A position or approach that sits between two opposing extremes — a reasonable mi
中庸
兩個極端之間合理的中間狀態
A position or approach that sits between two opposing extremes — a reasonable middle option that avoids going too far in either direction.
We need to find a mean between spending too much and saving too little.
我們需要在花太多和存太少之間找到一個中庸之道。
pattern: a mean between [extreme A] and [extreme B]
The prime minister tried to strike a mean between conservative and progressive policies.
首相試圖在保守政策與進步政策之間取得中庸。
collocation: strike a mean [formal]
There is a happy mean between working all day and resting all day.
整天工作和整天休息之間，有一個適中的平衡點。
The teacher urged her students to find a mean between theory and hands-on practice.
老師鼓勵學生在理論與實際操作之間找到中庸。
- middle ground
everyday equivalent; more common in conversation
- compromise
implies each side gives up something; stronger than 'mean'
- midpoint
more literal; often used for physical positions
- extreme
the opposite of a moderate middle position
文法句型
a/the mean between + [noun] + and + [noun]
用法筆記
Often appears in the fixed expressions 'strike a mean' and 'happy mean'. This sense is derived from the Aristotelian concept of the 'golden mean'. Distinguish from noun sense 1 (AVERAGE) — this is about moderation, not mathematics.
常見錯誤
meanest — 動詞
- meanestpresent simple I / you / we / they
- meanests3rd person singular
- meanesting-ing form
- meanestedpast simple
1. To stand for or communicate a certain idea, fact, thing, or word — used when exp
表示
表達或代表某個想法、事實或詞義
To stand for or communicate a certain idea, fact, thing, or word — used when explaining what a word, sign, action, or situation tells you.
The red traffic light means that you must bring your car to a complete stop.
紅燈表示你必須把車完全停下來。
pattern: [noun] means that + [clause]
In French, the word 'merci' means 'thank you' in English.
法語的 merci 在英文裡表示「謝謝」。
pattern: [word] means [translation]
Hao asked his teacher what the symbol on the map meant for hikers.
Hao 問老師地圖上那個符號對登山者來說代表什麼意思。
A single long ring of the bell means that lunch break is about to end.
響一聲長鈴表示午餐時間即將結束。
文法句型
mean + [noun]
mean + that-clause
what does [noun] mean?
用法筆記
This is the most common sense of 'mean' as a verb. Used for word definitions, signs, symbols, and implied meanings. The past tense is 'meant' (irregular). Does not take the continuous form (*is meaning).
常見錯誤
2. Used to show that you speak in earnest and are not teasing, exaggerating, or lyi
真心
強調所言屬實或出於誠意
Used to show that you speak in earnest and are not teasing, exaggerating, or lying. Often appears in the fixed phrases 'I mean it' and 'I mean what I say'.
Nkechi looked her brother in the eye and said, 'I mean it — never touch my computer again.'
Nkechi 直視著弟弟的眼睛說：「我是認真的——再也別碰我的電腦。」
fixed phrase: I mean it
When Emma says she loves helping out at the shelter, she really means it.
Emma 說她喜歡在收容所幫忙時，她是真心這麼說的。
Do you mean to tell me that you walked all the way here in the rain?
你的意思是說，你冒著雨一路走到這裡來？
Mert said he would pay me back, and I believe he means what he says.
Mert 說他會還我錢，我相信他是說話算話的。
- be serious
equivalent in meaning but used differently in sentence structure ('I am serious')
- sincerely intend
formal equivalent
- joke
opposite intention — to amuse rather than be serious
文法句型
mean + [noun phrase]
I mean it
mean what + [pronoun] + say
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (SIGNIFY): sense 2 is about the speaker's sincerity and seriousness, not about the definition of a word or symbol. The phrase 'I mean it' is a fixed expression — do not change the word order.
常見錯誤
3. To lead to or produce a specific outcome — used to explain what happens as a con
意味著
導致某種特定結果或後果
To lead to or produce a specific outcome — used to explain what happens as a consequence of a situation, action, or condition.
If you miss the last train, it means you will have to walk home through the park.
如果你錯過最後一班火車，就意味著你得走路穿過公園回家。
pattern: if [condition], it means that + [result]
Getting into this university means leaving my hometown for the very first time.
考上這所大學意味著我要第一次離開家鄉。
For Ari, accepting the job in Seoul meant moving to a country she had never visited.
對 Ari 來說，接受首爾的那份工作意味著要搬到一個她從未去過的國家。
Higher temperatures mean more ice melting in the polar regions each summer.
氣溫升高意味著極地地區每年夏天會有更多冰層融化。
The new regulations mean that all factory workers must wear safety helmets at all times.
新規定意味著所有工廠工人都必須全程佩戴安全頭盔。
文法句型
[A] means that [B] will happen
[A] means [B]
用法筆記
This sense focuses on logical or practical consequences rather than definitions or intentions. Often used in conditionals (if… then) and explanatory statements. Frequently followed by a gerund (moving, leaving, working) or a that-clause.
常見錯誤
4. To have a particular plan or purpose in your mind — used when talking about what
打算
心裡計劃或意圖做某事（常用於道歉）
To have a particular plan or purpose in your mind — used when talking about what someone intends or does not intend to do, especially in apologies or explanations.
Tomás meant to call his mother on Sunday, but he forgot until it was too late.
Tomás 本來打算星期天打電話給媽媽，但想起來的時候已經太晚了。
pattern: mean to + infinitive (intended action)
Chiara did not mean to spill the coffee on the new carpet — it was a complete accident.
Chiara 不是故意把咖啡灑在新地毯上的——完全是個意外。
pattern: did not mean to + infinitive (apology)
Dahlia meant every word she said during the graduation speech that afternoon.
Dahlia 在畢業典禮演講上說的每句話都是真心誠意的。
Hari meant no offence by his comment — he was simply stating his honest opinion.
Hari 的評論並非有意冒犯——他只是說出了自己的真實看法。
- accidentally do
opposite — doing something without intention
文法句型
mean + to-infinitive
mean + [someone] + no harm
I didn't mean to
用法筆記
This sense is commonly used in apologies ('I didn't mean to…') and clarifications ('I meant that…'). The past form 'meant' is used to express past intentions that may or may not have been carried out. Not used in the progressive form (*I am meaning to).
常見錯誤
5. To be designed, made, or destined for a particular purpose, person, or use — use
旨在
被設計或指定用於某特定目的
To be designed, made, or destined for a particular purpose, person, or use — used in the passive voice to describe the intended function or target of something.
This medicine is meant to be taken with food, not on an empty stomach.
這種藥必須隨餐服用，不能空腹吃。
passive: be meant to + infinitive (purpose)
The soft chairs in the lobby were meant for elderly visitors who needed to rest.
大廳裡的那些軟椅子是為需要休息的年長來賓準備的。
passive: be meant for [someone]
Zola's remarks were not meant to offend anyone — she was simply telling a funny story.
Zola 的話不是故意要冒犯任何人——她只是在講一個有趣的故事。
The new playground was meant to give neighborhood children a safe space to play.
新遊樂場的設計目的是給社區的孩子們一個安全的玩耍空間。
- be designed to
implies deliberate engineering or planning
- be intended to
formal equivalent; slightly clearer for learners
文法句型
be meant to + infinitive
be meant for + [someone/something]
用法筆記
Only occurs in the passive voice (be meant) — never in active form (*this means to be taken). Distinguish from sense 4 (INTEND): sense 4 is about a person's intention; sense 5 is about an object's purpose or design.
常見錯誤
6. To have emotional importance or significance for someone — used to say that some
有價值
對某人具有重要的情感意義
To have emotional importance or significance for someone — used to say that someone or something is deeply valued or cared about.
That old guitar means the world to Manuela because her grandfather gave it to her.
那把舊吉他對 Manuela 來說意義非凡，因為那是她祖父送給她的。
collocation: mean the world to [someone]
Talia's opinion means a great deal to me when I am making an important decision.
在我做重大決定的時候，Talia 的意見對我來說非常重要。
collocation: mean a great deal to [someone]
The scholarship meant everything to Emma after years of part-time jobs to save money.
對 Emma 來說，這份獎學金代表了一切——她打了好幾年工才存到錢。
A simple handwritten thank-you note can mean more than an expensive gift sometimes.
有時候，一張簡單的手寫感謝卡比一件昂貴的禮物更有意義。
- matter
direct synonym; 'it matters to me' = 'it means a lot to me'
- be important to
clear, simple phrasing for learners at this level
- not matter
opposite — to have no importance
文法句型
mean + a lot / everything / the world + to + [someone]
用法筆記
Always requires a quantifier (a lot, everything, the world, much) — 'mean' cannot appear alone in this sense (*this means to me). Typically used with 'to' (means a lot to someone). Distinguish from sense 3 (RESULT) which is about logical consequences, not emotional value.