Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense means, present participle meaning, past tense, past participle meant
1. verb [no cont]
If you want to know what a word, code, signal, or gesture means, you want to know what it refers to or what its message is.
In modern Welsh, 'glas' means 'blue'. [VERB noun]
What does 'evidence' mean? [VERB noun]
The red signal means you can shoot. [VERB that]
Synonyms: signify, say, suggest, indicate More Synonyms of mean
2. verb [no cont]
If you ask someone what they mean, you are asking them to explain exactly what or who they are referring to or what they are intending to say.
Do you mean me? [VERB noun]
Let me illustrate what I mean with an old story. [VERB noun]
What do you think he means by that? [VERB noun]
I think he means that he does not want this marriage to turn out like his friend's. [VERB that]
Synonyms: imply, suggest, intend, indicate More Synonyms of mean
3. verb [no cont]
If something means something to you, it is important to you in some way.
The idea that she witnessed this shameful incident meant nothing to him.
It would mean a lot to them to win. [VERB noun to-infinitive]
[Also V amount]
4. verb [no cont]
If one thing means another, it shows that the second thing exists or is true.
An enlarged prostate does not necessarily mean cancer. [VERB noun]
Just because he has a beard doesn't necessarily mean he's a hippy. [VERB that]
Synonyms: presage, promise, herald, foreshadow More Synonyms of mean
5. verb [no cont]
If one thing means another, the first thing leads to the second thing happening.
It would almost certainly mean the end of NATO. [VERB noun]
Trade and product discounts can also mean big savings. [VERB noun]
Failure to act now will mean that our society will change beyond recognition. [VERB that]
Synonyms: result in, cause, produce, effect More Synonyms of mean
6. verb
If doing one thing means doing another, it involves doing the second thing.
Children prefer to live in peace, even if that means living with only one parent. [V -ing]
Managing well means communicating well. [VERB verb-ing]
7. verb [no cont]
If you say that you mean what you are saying, you are telling someone that you are serious about it and are not joking, exaggerating, or just being polite.
He says you're fired if you're not back at work on Friday. And I think he meant it. [VERB noun]
He could see I meant what I said. So he took his fur coat and left. [VERB noun]
8. verb [no cont]
If you say that someone meantto do something, you are saying that they did it deliberately.
I didn't mean to hurt you. [VERB to-infinitive]
If that sounds harsh, it is meant to. [VERB to-infinitive]
Did you mean to leave your dog here? [VERB to-infinitive]
I can see why you believed my letters were threatening but I never meant them tobe. [VERB noun to-infinitive]
Synonyms: intend, want, plan, expect More Synonyms of mean
9. verb [no cont]
If you say that someone did notmeanany harm, offence, or disrespect, you are saying that they did not intend to upset or offend people or to cause problems, even though they may in fact have done so.
I'm sure he didn't mean any harm. [VERB noun]
I didn't mean any offence. It was a flippant, off-the-cuff remark. [VERB noun]
10. verb [no cont]
If you meanto do something, you intend or plan to do it.
Summer is the perfect time to catch up on the new books you meant to read. [VERB to-infinitive]
You know very well what I meant to say. [VERB to-infinitive]
I mean to look after my body. [VERB to-infinitive]
11. verb [usually passive, no cont]
If you say that something was meantto happen, you believe that it was made to happen by God or fate, and did not just happen by chance.
John was constantly reassuring me that we were meant to be together. [beVERB-ed to-infinitive]
Synonyms: destine, make, design, suit More Synonyms of mean
12.
See I mean
13.
See I mean
14.
See I mean
15.
See know what it means to do sth/know what sth means
16.
See mean something to sb
17.
See to mean well
18.
See you mean
19. See also meaning, means, meant
20. to mean business
21. if you know what I mean
More Synonyms of mean
mean adjective uses
(miːn)
Word forms: comparative meaner, superlative meanest
1. adjective
If you describe someone as mean, you are being critical of them because they are unwilling to spend much money or to use very much of a particular thing.
[mainly British, disapproval]
Don't be mean with fabric, otherwise curtains will end up looking skimpy.
regional note: in AM, use cheap, stingy
Synonyms: miserly, stingy, parsimonious, niggardly More Synonyms of mean
meannessuncountable noun
This very careful attitude to money can sometimes border on meanness.
Synonyms: lowliness, obscurity, servility, baseness More Synonyms of mean
Synonyms: shabbiness, squalor, insignificance, pettiness More Synonyms of mean
Synonyms: malice, hostility, bad temper, rudeness More Synonyms of mean
Synonyms: pettiness, degradation, degeneracy, wretchedness More Synonyms of mean
Synonyms: miserliness, parsimony [formal], stinginess, tight-fistedness More Synonyms of mean
2. adjective
If you describe an amount as mean, you are saying that it is very small.
[British, disapproval]
...the meanest grant possible from the local council.
3. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]
If someone is being mean, they are being unkind to another person, for example by not allowing them to do something.
The little girls had locked themselves in upstairs because Mack had been mean tothem. [+ to]
I'd feel mean saying no.
meanlyadverb [usually ADVERB with verb, oft ADVERB adjective]
He had been behaving very meanly to his girlfriend.
4. adjective
If you describe a person or animal as mean, you are saying that they are very bad-tempered and cruel.
[mainly US]
...the meanest fighter in the world.
5. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
If you describe a place as mean, you think that it looks poor and dirty.
He was raised on the mean streets of the central market district of Panama City.
Synonyms: shabby, poor, miserable, rundown More Synonyms of mean
6. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
You can use mean in expressions such as 'He plays a mean trumpet' and 'She mixes a mean cocktail' to indicate that someone does something extremely well.
[informal, approval]
He cooks a mean salmon.
Marge played a mean game of tennis.
Synonyms: excellent, great [informal], outstanding, superb More Synonyms of mean
7.
See no mean sth
8.
See no mean sth
mean noun use
(miːn)
1. singular noun [oft NOUN noun]
The mean is a number that is the average of a set of numbers.
Take a hundred and twenty values and calculate the mean.
...the mean score for 26-year-olds.
Synonyms: average, middle, balance, norm More Synonyms of mean
2. See also means
mean in British English1
(miːn)
verbWord forms: means, meaning or meant(mainly tr)
1. (may take a clause as object or an infinitive)
to intend to convey or express
2. (may take a clause as object or an infinitive)
intend
I didn't mean to hurt you
3. (may take a clause as object)
to say or do in all seriousness
the management mean what they say about strikes
4. (often passive; often foll byfor)
to destine or design (for a certain person or purpose)
she was meant for greater things
5. (may take a clause as object)
to denote or connote; signify; represent
examples help show exactly what a word means
6. (may take a clause as object)
to produce; cause
the weather will mean long traffic delays
7. (may take a clause as object)
to foretell; portend
those dark clouds mean rain
8.
to have the importance of
money means nothing to him
9. (intransitive)
to have the intention of behaving or acting (esp in the phrases mean wellormean ill)
10. mean business
▶ USAGE In standard English, mean should not be followed by for when expressing intention: I didn't mean this to happen (not I didn't mean for this to happen)
Word origin
Old English mænan; compare Old Saxon mēnian to intend, Dutch meenen
mean in British English2
(miːn)
adjective
1. mainly British
miserly, ungenerous, or petty
2.
humble, obscure, or lowly
she rose from mean origins to high office
3.
despicable, ignoble, or callous
a mean action
4.
poor or shabby
mean clothing
a mean abode
5. informal, mainly US and Canadian
bad-tempered; vicious
6. informal
ashamed
I felt mean about not letting the children go to the theme park
7. informal, mainly US
unwell; in low spirits
8. slang
excellent; skilful
he plays a mean trombone
9. no mean
Derived forms
meanly (ˈmeanly)
adverb
meanness (ˈmeanness)
noun
Word origin
C12: from Old English gemǣne common; related to Old High German gimeini, Latin communis common, at first with no pejorative sense
mean in British English3
(miːn)
noun
1.
the middle point, state, or course between limits or extremes
2.
moderation
3. mathematics
a.
the second and third terms of a proportion, as b and c in a/b = c/d
b. another name for average (sense 2), See also geometric mean
4. statistics
a statistic obtained by multiplying each possible value of a variable by its probability and then taking the sum or integral over the range of the variable
adjective
5.
intermediate or medium in size, quantity, etc
6.
occurring halfway between extremes or limits; average
Word origin
C14: via Anglo-Norman from Old French moien, from Late Latin mediānusmedian
mean in American English1
(min)
verb transitiveWord forms: meant (mɛnt) or ˈmeaning
1.
to have in mind; intend; purpose
he means to go
2.
a.
to intend or design for a certain person or purpose
a gift meant for you
b.
to destine or seem to destine
he was meant to be a doctor
3.
to intend to express, signify, or indicate
to say what one means
4.
a.
to be used to convey; denote
the German word “ja” means “yes”
b.
to be a sign, indication, or herald of; signify
this means war!
verb intransitive
5.
to have a purpose or intention in mind
chiefly in mean well, to have good intentions
6.
to have a (specified) degree of importance, effect, or influence
honors mean little to him
SIMILAR WORDS: inˈtend
Idioms:
mean well by
Word origin
ME menen < OE mænan, to mean, tell, complain, akin to Ger meinen, to have in mind, have as opinion < IE base *meino-, opinion, intent > OIr mian, wish, desire
mean in American English2
(min)
adjective
1.
low in quality, value, or importance; paltry; poor; inferior
now usually in negative constructions
paid no mean sum
2. Rare
low in social status or rank; of humble origin
3.
poor in appearance; shabby
a mean dwelling
4.
ignoble; base; small-minded; petty
5.
stingy; miserly; penurious
6. US
bad-tempered; vicious; unmanageable
said of a horse, etc.
7. US
pettily or contemptibly selfish, bad-tempered, disagreeable, malicious, etc.
8. US
humiliated or ashamed
9. US, Informal
in poor health; not well; ill; indisposed
10. US, Slang
a.
hard to cope with; difficult
to throw a mean curve in baseball
b.
skillful; expert
to play a mean game of chess
SIMILAR WORDS: base
Derived forms
meanly (ˈmeanly)
adverb
meanness (ˈmeanness)
noun
Word origin
ME mene, common, hence mean < OE (ge)mæne, akin to Ger gemein, plentiful, common
mean in American English3
(min)
adjective
1.
halfway between extremes; in a middle or intermediate position as to place, time,quantity, quality, kind, value, degree, etc.
2.
medium; average; middling
noun
3.
what is between extremes; intermediate state, quality, course, or procedure
4.
avoidance of extremes or excess; moderation
5. Ancient Mathematics
a.
a number between the smallest and largest values of a set of quantities, obtainedby some prescribed method: unless otherwise qualified, the arithmetic mean
b.
the number obtained by multiplying each value of x by the probability (or probabilitydensity) of x and then summing (or integrating) over the range of x
c.
the second or third term of a four-term proportion
see also geometric mean, means
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈaverage
Word origin
ME mene < OFr meien (Fr moyen) < L medianus: see median
More idioms containing
mean
mean business
COBUILD Collocations
mean
a bit mean
Examples of 'mean' in a sentence
mean
Red lips for the party just mean you intend to enjoy the party properly.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It is all well meant but it also means there is no shutting off.
The Sun (2016)
The way people say it can mean something that might not be the same for you.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
What does being good with money mean to you?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They are goal oriented but enjoy the means as well as the ends.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
That means that each game is already a kind of final.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The decline in the value of sterling means that the work is worth less to them.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This means the average employee is paid 1,700 a year while not working.
The Sun (2016)
As the seconds passed, the enormity of what one goal would mean became all the more stark.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Your confidence and willpower suddenly feel so strong, meaning you can set the pace in a loving relationship.
The Sun (2016)
Memoirs are meant to set the record straight.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
This means that your money is being used to support projects that help the environment.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
This is a slow burner and meant to be one.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Which of course means they are not secure at all.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Some people say stuff they mean and other times people say stuff for a crowd.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
We would like to see the views that mean something to you.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Passing off toys to another church means that you accept a measure of indignity.
Christianity Today (2000)
This means you will go to court and you may be given a life sentence.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Not tipping makes me feel mean and petty.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The same product can mean very different things to its many buyers.
Tom Cannon Basic Marketing. Principles and Practice (1986)
His habit also means you are passive smoking.
The Sun (2011)
The stamp duty surcharge also meant buyers tried to close deals quickly.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
You could realise you mean much more to a partner than you think.
The Sun (2010)
But large antennae mean low overall productivity.
Oliver Morton Eating the Sun: How Plants Power the Planet (2007)
That means we go there to win our game.
The Sun (2010)
What do these findings and statistics mean to the average person?
Kowalski, Robert E The 8-Week Cholesterol Cure (1990)
Most mean well and are simply looking to share in the miracle of life with you.
The Sun (2009)
It means he has scored the winning goals in three consecutive games for Spurs.
The Sun (2013)
In other languages
mean
British English: mean /miːn/ ADJECTIVE
Someone who is mean is not nice to other people.
He was sorry for being mean to her.
American English: stingy
Arabic: حَقِيرٌ
Brazilian Portuguese: mesquinho
Chinese: 吝啬的
Croatian: zločest
Czech: zlý
Danish: ond
Dutch: gemeen
European Spanish: mezquino vil
Finnish: ilkeä
French: méchant
German: geizig
Greek: μοχθηρός
Italian: meschino
Japanese: けちな
Korean: 인색한
Norwegian: gjerrig
Polish: skąpy
European Portuguese: mesquinho
Romanian: rău
Russian: убогий
Latin American Spanish: malo de espíritu
Swedish: elak
Thai: ใจร้าย
Turkish: eli sıkı
Ukrainian: злий
Vietnamese: bần tiện
British English: mean /miːn/ VERB
signify If you ask what something means, you want to understand it.
What does this word mean?
American English: mean
Arabic: يَعْنِي
Brazilian Portuguese: significar
Chinese: 意谓
Croatian: značiti
Czech: znamenat
Danish: betyde
Dutch: betekenen
European Spanish: significar
Finnish: tarkoittaa
French: signifier
German: meinen
Greek: εννοώ
Italian: significare
Japanese: 意味する
Korean: 뜻하다
Norwegian: bety
Polish: oznaczyć
European Portuguese: significar
Romanian: a însemna
Russian: означать
Latin American Spanish: significar
Swedish: mena
Thai: หมายความว่า
Turkish: kastetmek
Ukrainian: означати
Vietnamese: muốn nói
British English: mean /miːn/ VERB
be serious about If you mean what you are saying, it is not a joke.
He says he loves her, and I think he means it.
American English: mean
Arabic: لا يـَمْزَحُ
Brazilian Portuguese: falar sério
Chinese: 对…认真
Croatian: misliti
Czech: myslet vážně
Danish: mene
Dutch: menen
European Spanish: querer decir
Finnish: tarkoittaa
French: ne pas plaisanter
German: meinen
Greek: εννοώ
Italian: fare sul serio
Japanese: 本気で言う
Korean: ~을 뜻하다
Norwegian: mene
Polish: oznaczać
European Portuguese: querer dizer
Romanian: a însemna
Russian: иметь ввиду
Latin American Spanish: querer decir
Swedish: mena
Thai: มีเจตนา
Turkish: gerçeği söylemek
Ukrainian: мати на увазі
Vietnamese: có nghĩa
British English: mean /miːn/ VERB
intend If you mean to do something, it is not an accident.
I didn't mean to drop the cup.
American English: mean
Arabic: يَقْصِدُ
Brazilian Portuguese: querer
Chinese: 打算
Croatian: namjeravati
Czech: zamýšlet
Danish: med vilje
Dutch: bedoelen
European Spanish: querer
Finnish: aikoa
French: avoir la ferme intention de
German: wollen
Greek: θέλω
Italian: avere l'intenzione di
Japanese: わざと･･･する
Korean: ~을 의도하다
Norwegian: mene
Polish: robić coś celowo
European Portuguese: tencionar
Romanian: a intenționa
Russian: хотеть
Latin American Spanish: quererintención
Swedish: mena
Thai: ตั้งใจ
Turkish: yapmak istemek
Ukrainian: робити навмисне
Vietnamese: cố ý
British English: mean ADJECTIVE
If someone is being mean, they are being unkind to another person, for example by not allowing them to do something.
The little girls had locked themselves in upstairs because he had been mean to them.
American English: mean
Brazilian Portuguese: mesquinho
Chinese: 不友好的
European Spanish: malo
French: méchant
German: gemein
Italian: cattivo
Japanese: 意地悪な
Korean: 비열한
European Portuguese: mesquinho
Latin American Spanish: malo
British English: mean NOUN
The mean is a number that is the average of a set of numbers.
Take a hundred and twenty values and calculate the mean.
American English: mean
Brazilian Portuguese: meio termo
Chinese: 平均数
European Spanish: media
French: moyenne
German: Durchschnitt
Italian: media
Japanese: 平均
Korean: 중간값
European Portuguese: meio-termo
Latin American Spanish: media
Chinese translation of 'mean'
mean
(miːn)
Word forms:ptppmeant
vt
(= signify) 表示 ... 意思 (biǎoshi ... yìsi)
⇒ In modern Welsh, "glas" means "blue".在现代威尔士语中，"glas" 表示的意思是"蓝色"。 (Zài xiàndài Wēi'ěrshìyǔ zhōng, "glas" biǎoshì de yìsi shì "lánsè".)
(= refer to) 意指 (yìzhǐ)
⇒ I thought you meant her, not me.我想你指的是她，不是我。 (Wǒ xiǎng nǐ zhǐ de shì tā, bù shì wǒ.)
(= involve) 意味着(著) (yìwèizhe)
⇒ Becoming a millionaire didn't mean an end to his money worries.成为百万富翁并不意味着他不再被钱困扰。 (Chéngwéi bǎiwàn fùwēng bìng bù yìwèi zhe tā bùzài bèi qián kùnrǎo.)
(= intend)
to mean to do sth意欲做某事 (yìyù zuò mǒushì)
a film meant for adults针(針)对(對)成人的电(電)影 (zhēnduì chéngrén de diànyǐng)
他是位很好的钢(鋼)琴家/足球运(運)动(動)员(員) tā shì wèi hěn hǎo de gāngqínjiā/zúqiú yùndòngyuán
LMT
Local Mean Time 地方平均时(時) Dìfāng Píngjūnshí
GMT
Greenwich Mean Time 格林尼治标(標)准(準)时(時)间(間) Gélínnízhì Biāozhǔn Shíjiān
1 (verb)
Definition
to denote, represent, or signify
The green signal means that you can go.
Synonyms
signify
The two approaches signified a sharp difference between the men.
say
That says a lot about the power of their marketing people.
suggest
indicate
The survey indicated that most old people are independent.
represent
Circle the letter that represents the sound.
express
He expressed his anger in a destructive way.
stand for
convey
spell out
purport
symbolize
The fall of the Berlin Wall symbolized the end of the Cold War.
denote
In the table, `DT' denotes quantity demanded.
connote
The word `insecurity' connotes all sorts of things that we strive not to be.
betoken
2 (verb)
Definition
to intend to convey or express
What do you think he means by that?
Synonyms
imply
Are you implying that I had something to do with this?
suggest
What exactly are you suggesting?
intend
indicate
She has indicated that she might resign.
refer to
intimate
She intimated that she was contemplating leaving the company.
get at (informal)
hint at
have in mind
drive at (informal)
allude to
She sometimes alluded to a feeling that she was to blame.
insinuate
The article insinuated that the President was lying.
3 (verb)
Definition
to foretell
The clouds don't necessarily mean a thunderstorm.
Synonyms
presage
Diplomats fear the incidents presage a new chapter in the conflict.
promise
The seminar promises to be most instructive.
herald
Economists said the drop could herald a fall in consumer spending.
foreshadow
Sales figures foreshadow more redundancies.
augur
Already there were problems. It didn't augur well.
foretell
prophets who have foretold the end of the world
portend
Comets, in Western tradition, always portend doom and gloom.
betoken
His demeanour betokened embarrassment at his prosperity.
adumbrate
4 (verb)
Definition
to produce, cause, or result in
Trade and product discounts can mean big savings.
Synonyms
result in
cause
I don't want to cause any trouble.
produce
Cooking with spices produces a wonderful smell.
effect
Prospects for effecting real political change have taken a step backward.
lead to
involve
Running a kitchen involves a great deal of discipline and speed.
bring about
give rise to
entail
Such a decision would entail a huge risk.
engender
Insults engender hatred against those who indulge in them.
necessitate
A prolonged drought had necessitated the introduction of water rationing.
5 (verb)
Definition
to intend
I didn't mean to hurt you.
Synonyms
intend
She intends to do A levels and go to university.
want
plan
They plan to move house next year.
expect
He expects total obedience and blind loyalty from his staff.
design
aim
I didn't aim to get caught.
wish
We can dress as we wish nowadays.
think
propose
I propose to spend my entire life travelling.
purpose
His life went in the direction that he purposed.
desire
set out
contemplate
He contemplated a career as an army medical doctor.
aspire
have plans
have in mind
6 (verb)
Definition
to destine or design for a certain person or purpose
He said that we were meant to be together.
Synonyms
destine
make
design
a compromise designed to please everyone
suit
fate
predestine
preordain
7 (verb)
Definition
to have the importance specified
It doesn't sound much, but it means a lot to me.
Synonyms
matter
be significant
have significance
have importance
Usage note
In standard British English, mean should not be followed by for when expressing intention. I didn't mean this to happen is acceptable, but not I didn't mean for this to happen.
1 (adjective)
Definition
not willing to give or use much of something, esp. money
Don't be mean with the fabric, or the curtains will end up looking skimpy.
Synonyms
miserly
He is miserly with both his time and his money.
stingy
My dad was stingy with pocket money.
parsimonious
the stereotype of the dour and parsimonious Scotsman
niggardly
Officials say the EU is being particularly niggardly with these funds.
close (informal)
She is very close with money.
near (informal)
They joked about him being so near with his money.
tight
Are you so tight you won't even spend a few quid?
selfish
the selfish interests of a few people
beggarly
mercenary
Despite his mercenary motives, he is not a cynic.
skimpy
skimpy underwear
penny-pinching
small-minded, penny-pinching administrators
ungenerous
penurious
tight-fisted
the government's tight-fisted monetary policy
tight-arsed (taboo, slang)
mingy (British, informal)
tight-assed (US, taboo, slang)
hungry (New Zealand, informal)
snoep (South Africa, informal)
tight as a duck's arse (taboo, slang)
Opposites
generous
,
prodigal
,
altruistic
,
bountiful
,
unselfish
,
munificent
2 (adjective)
Definition
ashamed
Upstaging the bride was a particularly mean trick.
Synonyms
dishonourable
He insisted he had done nothing dishonourable.
base
Love has the power to overcome the baser emotions.
petty
I think that attitude is a bit petty.
degraded
morally degraded individuals
disgraceful
I complained about his disgraceful behaviour.
shameful
It is a shameful state of affairs.
shabby
It was hard to know why the man deserved such shabby treatment.
vile
a vile and despicable crime
degenerate
callous
sordid
He put his head in his hands as his sordid life was exposed.
abject
an abject traitor
despicable
He said it was a despicable crime.
narrow-minded
contemptible
Her husband is a contemptible little man.
It was an utterly contemptible thing to do.
wretched
Politicians – I hate the whole wretched lot of them.
scurvy (old-fashioned)
It was a scurvy trick to play.
ignoble
an ignoble episode from their country's past
hard-hearted
scungy (Australian, New Zealand)
He was living in some scungy flat on the outskirts of town.
low-minded
Opposites
good
,
honourable
,
praiseworthy
3 (adjective)
Definition
unkind or spiteful
(informal)
The prison officer described him as the meanest man he'd ever met.
Synonyms
malicious
She described the charges as malicious.
hostile
The Governor faced hostile crowds when visiting the town.
nasty
He's only nasty to me when there's no-one around to see it.
sour
He was a sour and lonely man.
unpleasant
He was very unpleasant indeed.
rude
unfriendly
She spoke in a loud, rather unfriendly voice.
bad-tempered
a crusty, bad-tempered, ill-humoured character
disagreeable
He's a shallow, disagreeable man.
churlish
It seemed churlish to refuse an offer meant so kindly.
ill-tempered
cantankerous
You're just a cantankerous so-and-so.
Opposites
kind
,
liberal
,
gentle
,
sympathetic
,
humane
,
compassionate
,
warm-hearted
4 (adjective)
Definition
shabby and poor
He was raised in the mean streets of the central market district.
Synonyms
shabby
a rather shabby Naples hotel
poor
miserable
There was nothing in this miserable place to distract him.
rundown
beggarly
seedy
a seedy hotel
scruffy
a young man, pale, scruffy and untidy
sordid
the attic windows of their sordid little rooms
paltry
squalid
The migrants have been living in squalid conditions.
tawdry
low-rent (informal)
contemptible
wretched
What a wretched excuse!
down-at-heel
a down-at-heel waitress in a greasy diner
grungy (slang)
scuzzy (slang, mainly US)
Opposites
pleasing
,
excellent
,
attractive
,
superb
,
choice
,
superior
,
first-rate
,
de luxe
5 (adjective)
Definition
excellent or skilful
She plays a mean game of tennis.
Synonyms
excellent
We complimented him on doing an excellent job.
great (informal)
It's a great film; you must see it.
outstanding
an outstanding tennis player
superb
a superb 18-hole golf course
bad (informal)
fine
This is a fine book.
masterly
They gave a masterly performance.
wonderful
I've always thought he was a wonderful actor.
brilliant (British, informal)
My sister's given me a brilliant book.
smashing (informal)
It was a smashing success.
tremendous (informal)
I thought it was absolutely tremendous.
ace (informal)
It's been a while since I've seen a really ace film.
magnificent
She is magnificent at making you feel able to talk.
neat (US, informal)
I've just had a really neat idea.
fabulous (informal)
The scenery and weather were fabulous.
first-class
marvellous
He certainly is a marvellous actor.
exceptional
His piano playing is exceptional.
terrific (informal)
What a terrific idea!
formidable
sensational (informal)
Her voice is sensational.
awesome (informal)
sick (slang)
skilful
A1 (informal)
virtuoso
super (informal)
We had a super time.
wicked (informal)
From what I have seen so far, she is going to be a wicked dancer.
first-rate
They were dealing with a first-rate professional.
bonzer (Australian, informal)
badass (US, informal)
booshit (Australian, slang)
exo (Australian, slang)
sik (Australian, slang)
rad (informal)
phat (slang)
schmick (Australian, informal)
The band launch their schmick new CD next week.
beaut (informal)
barrie (Scottish, slang)
belting (British, slang)
pearler (Australian, slang)
6 (adjective)
southern opportunists of mean origins
Synonyms
lowly
lowly bureaucrats pretending to be senators
low
That was a really low trick.
common
She might be a little common at times, but she was certainly not boring.
ordinary
modest
base
obscure
The hymn was written by an obscure Greek composer.
humble
He came from a fairly humble, poor background.
inferior
the inferior status of women in many societies
vulgar
menial
low-paid menial jobs such as cleaning
proletarian
undistinguished
servile
He was subservient and servile.
ignoble
They wanted to spare him the shame of an ignoble birth.
plebeian
He had a cockney accent and an alarmingly plebeian manner.
lowborn
baseborn (archaic)
Opposites
high
,
important
,
princely
,
significant
,
noble
,
consequential
7 (adjective)
a woman of mean understanding
Synonyms
inferior
These recordings are of inferior quality.
little
I had little money and little free time.
limited
The shop has a very limited selection.
poor
poor wages and terrible working conditions
A poor crop has sent vegetable prices spiralling.
restricted
a heavily restricted diet
slender
the Government's slender 21-seat majority
meagre
a meagre 3% pay rise
sparse
Many slopes are rock fields with sparse vegetation.
deficient
deficient landing systems
(noun)
Definition
the average
Take a hundred and twenty values and calculate the mean.
Synonyms
average
The pay is about the average for a service industry.
middle
I was in the middle of the back row.
balance
norm
Their actions departed from what she called the commonly accepted norms of behaviour.
median
midpoint
(adjective)
Definition
occurring halfway between extremes or limits
the mean score for 26-year-olds
Synonyms
average
The average age of the group was 23.
middle
that crucial middle point of the picture
middling
a man of middling height
standard
It was standard practice for them to advise in cases of murder.
medium
foods which contain only medium levels of sodium
normal
The two countries have resumed normal diplomatic relations.
The hospital claimed they were simply following their normal procedure.
intermediate
Consider breaking the journey with intermediate stopovers.
median
The median mark is 7.
medial
Additional synonyms
in the sense of abject
an abject traitor
Synonyms
despicable,
base,
degraded,
worthless,
vile,
sordid,
debased,
reprehensible,
ignominious,
contemptible,
dishonourable,
ignoble,
detestable,
scungy (Australian, New Zealand)
in the sense of ace
Definition
superb or excellent
It's been a while since I've seen a really ace film.
Synonyms
great (informal),
good,
brilliant,
mean (slang),
fine,
champion,
expert,
masterly,
wonderful,
excellent,
cracking (British, informal),
outstanding,
superb,
fantastic (informal),
tremendous (informal),
marvellous (informal),
terrific (informal),
mega (slang),
awesome (slang),
dope (slang),
sick (slang),
admirable,
virtuoso,
first-rate,
brill (informal),
the dog's bollocks (taboo, slang),
bitchin' (US, slang),
chillin' (US, slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
ka pai (New Zealand),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal),
beaut (informal),
barrie (Scottish, slang),
belting (British, slang),
pearler (Australian, slang)
in the sense of aim
Definition
to propose or intend
I didn't aim to get caught.
Synonyms
mean,
attempt,
propose,
intend,
resolve,
purpose
Synonyms of 'mean'
mean
Explore 'mean' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of allude to
She sometimes alluded to a feeling that she was to blame.
Synonyms
refer to,
suggest,
mention,
speak of,
imply,
intimate,
hint at,
remark on,
insinuate,
touch upon
in the sense of augur
Definition
to be a good or bad sign of future events
Already there were problems. It didn't augur well.
Synonyms
bode,
promise,
predict,
herald,
signify,
foreshadow,
prophesy,
harbinger,
presage,
prefigure,
portend,
betoken,
be an omen of,
bespeak (archaic)
in the sense of bad-tempered
a crusty, bad-tempered, ill-humoured character
Synonyms
irritable,
cross,
angry,
tense,
crabbed,
fiery,
grumbling,
snarling,
prickly,
exasperated,
edgy,
snappy,
sullen,
touchy,
surly,
petulant,
sulky,
ill-tempered,
irascible,
cantankerous,
tetchy,
ratty (British, New Zealand, informal),
tooshie (Australian, slang),
testy,
chippy (informal),
fretful,
grouchy (informal),
querulous,
peevish,
crabby,
huffy,
dyspeptic,
choleric,
splenetic,
crotchety (informal),
oversensitive,
snappish,
ill-humoured,
liverish,
narky (British, slang),
out of humour
in the sense of base
Definition
dishonourable or immoral
Love has the power to overcome the baser emotions.
Synonyms
dishonourable,
evil,
corrupt,
infamous,
disgraceful,
vulgar,
shameful,
vile,
immoral,
scandalous,
wicked,
sordid,
abject,
despicable,
depraved,
ignominious,
disreputable,
contemptible,
villainous,
ignoble,
discreditable,
scungy (Australian, New Zealand)
in the sense of betoken
Definition
to indicate
His demeanour betokened embarrassment at his prosperity.
Synonyms
indicate,
mark,
suggest,
evidence,
promise,
represent,
declare,
manifest,
signify,
denote,
typify,
bode,
bespeak,
augur,
presage,
portend,
prognosticate
in the sense of brilliant
Definition
splendid
My sister's given me a brilliant book.
Synonyms
excellent,
great (informal),
good,
fine,
wonderful,
cracking (British, informal),
superb,
fantastic (informal),
tremendous (informal),
marvellous (informal),
terrific (informal),
mean (slang),
mega (slang),
awesome (slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
first-rate,
brill (informal),
topping (British, slang),
hunky-dory (informal),
beaut (informal),
barrie (Scottish, slang),
belting (British, slang),
pearler (Australian, slang)
in the sense of cantankerous
Definition
quarrelsome or bad-tempered
You're just a cantankerous so-and-so.
Synonyms
bad-tempered,
contrary,
perverse,
irritable,
crusty,
grumpy,
disagreeable,
cranky (US, Canadian, Irish, informal),
irascible,
tetchy,
ratty (British, New Zealand, informal),
testy,
quarrelsome,
waspish,
grouchy (informal),
arsey (British, Australian, New Zealand, slang),
peevish,
crabby,
choleric,
crotchety (informal),
ill-humoured,
liverish,
captious,
difficult
in the sense of cause
Definition
to be the cause of
I don't want to cause any trouble.
Synonyms
produce,
begin,
create,
effect,
lead to,
occasion (formal),
result in,
generate,
provoke,
compel,
motivate,
induce,
bring about,
give rise to,
precipitate,
incite,
engender
in the sense of churlish
Definition
surly and rude
It seemed churlish to refuse an offer meant so kindly.
Synonyms
rude,
harsh,
crabbed,
vulgar,
sullen,
surly,
morose,
brusque,
ill-tempered,
boorish,
uncouth,
impolite,
loutish,
oafish,
uncivil,
unmannerly
in the sense of close
Definition
miserly
She is very close with money.
Synonyms
mean,
stingy,
parsimonious,
illiberal,
miserly,
niggardly,
ungenerous,
penurious,
tight-fisted,
mingy (British, informal),
tight as a duck's arse (taboo, slang)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of common
Definition
low-class, vulgar, or coarse
She might be a little common at times, but she was certainly not boring.
Synonyms
vulgar,
low,
inferior,
coarse,
plebeian
in the sense of connote
The word `insecurity' connotes all sorts of things that we strive not to be.
Synonyms
imply,
suggest,
indicate,
intimate,
signify,
hint at,
betoken,
involve
in the sense of contemplate
Definition
to consider as a possibility
He contemplated a career as an army medical doctor.
Synonyms
consider,
plan,
think of,
propose,
intend,
envisage,
foresee,
have in view or in mind
in the sense of contemptible
Definition
deserving to be despised or hated
Her husband is a contemptible little man.It was an utterly contemptible thing to do.
Synonyms
despicable,
mean,
low,
base,
cheap (informal),
worthless,
shameful,
shabby,
vile,
degenerate,
low-down (informal),
paltry,
pitiful,
abject,
ignominious,
measly (informal),
scurvy (old-fashioned),
detestable,
odious
in the sense of deficient
Definition
inadequate in quantity or quality
deficient landing systems
Synonyms
unsatisfactory,
poor,
inadequate,
weak,
flawed,
inferior,
impaired,
faulty,
incomplete,
unsuitable,
defective,
imperfect,
unworthy
in the sense of degraded
morally degraded individuals
Synonyms
corrupt,
low,
base,
abandoned,
vicious,
vile,
sordid,
decadent,
despicable,
depraved,
debased,
profligate,
disreputable,
debauched,
dissolute,
scungy (Australian, New Zealand)
in the sense of denote
Definition
(of a word or phrase) to have as a literal or obvious meaning
In the table, `DT' denotes quantity demanded.
Synonyms
represent,
mean,
stand for,
express,
equal,
substitute for,
correspond to,
symbolize,
equate with,
betoken
in the sense of design
Definition
to intend (something) for a specific purpose
a compromise designed to please everyone
Synonyms
intend,
mean,
plan,
aim,
purpose,
adjust,
adapt,
tailor,
contrive,
destine
in the sense of despicable
Definition
deserving contempt
He said it was a despicable crime.
Synonyms
contemptible,
mean,
low,
base,
cheap (informal),
infamous,
degrading,
worthless,
disgraceful,
shameful,
vile,
sordid,
pitiful,
abject,
hateful,
reprehensible,
ignominious,
disreputable,
wretched,
scurvy (old-fashioned),
detestable,
scungy (Australian, New Zealand),
beyond contempt
in the sense of disagreeable
Definition
(of a person) bad-tempered or disobliging
He's a shallow, disagreeable man.
Synonyms
ill-natured,
difficult,
nasty,
cross,
contrary,
unpleasant,
rude,
irritable,
unfriendly,
bad-tempered,
surly,
churlish,
brusque,
tetchy,
ratty (British, New Zealand, informal),
peevish,
ungracious,
disobliging,
unlikable or unlikeable
Additional synonyms
in the sense of disgraceful
I complained about his disgraceful behaviour.
Synonyms
shameful,
shocking,
scandalous,
mean,
low,
infamous,
degrading,
unworthy,
ignominious,
disreputable,
contemptible,
dishonourable,
detestable,
discreditable,
blameworthy,
opprobrious
in the sense of down-at-heel
a down-at-heel waitress in a greasy diner
Synonyms
poor,
impoverished,
shabby,
badly off,
seedy,
on the rocks,
hard up (informal),
penniless,
poverty-stricken,
in need,
in want,
impecunious,
on the breadline,
penurious,
on your uppers,
without two pennies to rub together (informal),
on your beam-ends,
out at elbows
in the sense of effect
Definition
to cause (something) to take place
Prospects for effecting real political change have taken a step backward.
Synonyms
bring about,
make,
cause,
produce,
create,
complete,
achieve,
perform,
carry out,
fulfil,
accomplish,
execute,
initiate,
give rise to,
consummate,
actuate,
effectuate
in the sense of engender
Definition
to produce (a particular feeling, atmosphere, or situation)
Insults engender hatred against those who indulge in them.
Synonyms
produce,
make,
cause,
create,
lead to,
occasion (formal),
excite,
result in,
breed,
generate,
provoke,
induce,
bring about,
arouse,
give rise to,
precipitate,
incite,
instigate,
foment,
beget (old-fashioned)
in the sense of entail
Definition
to bring about or impose inevitably
Such a decision would entail a huge risk.
Synonyms
involve,
require,
cause,
produce,
demand,
lead to,
call for,
occasion (formal),
need,
impose,
result in,
bring about,
give rise to,
encompass,
necessitate
in the sense of exceptional
Definition
having much more than average intelligence, ability, or skill
His piano playing is exceptional.
Synonyms
remarkable,
special,
excellent,
extraordinary,
outstanding,
superior,
first-class,
marvellous,
notable,
phenomenal,
first-rate,
prodigious,
unsurpassed,
one in a million,
bodacious (slang, US),
unexcelled
in the sense of expect
Definition
to require (something) as an obligation
He expects total obedience and blind loyalty from his staff.
Synonyms
require,
demand,
want,
wish,
look for,
call for,
ask for,
hope for,
insist on,
count on,
rely upon
in the sense of express
Definition
to show (an idea or feeling)
He expressed his anger in a destructive way.
Synonyms
show,
indicate,
exhibit,
demonstrate,
reveal,
disclose,
intimate,
convey,
testify to,
depict,
designate,
manifest,
embody,
signify,
symbolize,
denote,
divulge,
bespeak,
make known,
evince (formal)
in the sense of fabulous
Definition
extremely good
The scenery and weather were fabulous.
Synonyms
wonderful,
excellent,
brilliant,
superb,
spectacular,
fantastic (informal),
marvellous,
sensational (informal),
first-rate,
brill (informal),
magic (informal),
out-of-this-world (informal)
in the sense of fine
Definition
very good
This is a fine book.
Synonyms
excellent,
good,
great (informal),
striking,
choice,
beautiful,
masterly,
select,
rare,
very good,
supreme,
impressive,
outstanding,
magnificent,
superior,
accomplished,
sterling,
first-class,
divine (informal),
exceptional,
splendid,
world-class,
exquisite,
admirable,
skilful,
ornate,
first-rate,
showy,
bakgat (South Africa)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of first-rate
Definition
of the best quality
They were dealing with a first-rate professional.
Synonyms
excellent,
outstanding,
first class,
exceptional,
mean (slang),
topping (British, slang),
top,
tops (slang),
prime,
cool (informal),
crack (slang),
cracking (British, informal),
crucial (slang),
exclusive,
superb,
mega (slang),
sovereign,
dope (slang),
sick (slang),
world-class,
admirable,
wicked (slang),
def (slang),
superlative,
second to none,
top-notch (informal),
brill (informal),
tiptop,
bodacious (slang, US),
boffo (slang),
the dog's bollocks (taboo, slang),
jim-dandy (slang),
A1 or A-one (informal),
bitchin' (US, slang),
chillin' (US, slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal)
in the sense of foreshadow
Definition
to show, indicate, or suggest in advance
Sales figures foreshadow more redundancies.
Synonyms
predict,
suggest,
promise,
indicate,
signal,
imply,
bode,
prophesy,
augur,
presage,
prefigure,
portend,
betoken,
adumbrate,
forebode
in the sense of foretell
Definition
to correctly predict (an event, a result, etc.) beforehand
prophets who have foretold the end of the world
Synonyms
predict,
forecast,
prophesy,
portend,
call,
signify,
bode,
foreshadow,
augur,
presage,
forewarn,
prognosticate,
adumbrate,
forebode,
foreshow,
soothsay,
vaticinate (rare)
in the sense of great
Definition
excellent
It's a great film; you must see it.
Synonyms
excellent,
good,
fine,
wonderful,
mean (slang),
topping (British, slang),
cracking (British, informal),
superb,
fantastic (informal),
tremendous (informal),
marvellous (informal),
terrific (informal),
mega (slang),
sovereign,
awesome (slang),
dope (slang),
sick (slang),
admirable,
first-rate,
def (informal),
brill (informal),
boffo (slang),
bitchin',
chillin' (US, slang),
GR8,
jim-dandy (slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal),
beaut (informal),
barrie (Scottish, slang),
belting (British, slang),
pearler (Australian, slang)
in the sense of herald
Definition
to announce or signal the approach of
Economists said the drop could herald a fall in consumer spending.
Synonyms
indicate,
promise,
precede,
pave the way,
usher in,
harbinger,
presage,
portend,
foretoken
in the sense of hostile
Definition
unfriendly and aggressive
The Governor faced hostile crowds when visiting the town.
Synonyms
unfriendly,
belligerent,
antagonistic,
unkind,
malevolent,
warlike,
bellicose,
inimical,
rancorous,
ill-disposed
in the sense of humble
Definition
modest and unpretentious
He came from a fairly humble, poor background.
Synonyms
lowly,
common,
poor,
mean,
low,
simple,
ordinary,
modest,
obscure,
commonplace,
insignificant,
unimportant,
unpretentious,
undistinguished,
plebeian,
low-born
in the sense of ignoble
Definition
dishonourable
an ignoble episode from their country's past
Synonyms
dishonourable,
low,
base,
mean,
petty,
infamous,
degraded,
craven,
disgraceful,
shabby,
vile,
degenerate,
abject,
unworthy,
shameless,
despicable,
heinous,
dastardly (old-fashioned),
contemptible,
wretched
in the sense of ignoble
Definition
of low birth or origins
They wanted to spare him the shame of an ignoble birth.
Synonyms
lowly,
mean,
low,
base,
common,
peasant,
vulgar,
plebeian,
humble,
lowborn (rare),
baseborn (archaic)
in the sense of indicate
Definition
to be or give a sign or symptom of
The survey indicated that most old people are independent.
Synonyms
show,
suggest,
reveal,
display,
signal,
demonstrate,
point to,
imply,
disclose,
manifest,
signify,
denote,
bespeak,
make known,
be symptomatic of,
evince (formal),
betoken,
flag up
Additional synonyms
in the sense of indicate
Definition
to be or give a sign or symptom of
She has indicated that she might resign.
Synonyms
imply,
suggest,
hint,
intimate,
signify,
insinuate,
give someone to understand
in the sense of insinuate
Definition
to suggest indirectly by allusion, hints, or innuendo
The article insinuated that the President was lying.
Synonyms
imply,
suggest,
hint,
indicate,
intimate,
allude
in the sense of intermediate
Definition
occurring between two points or extremes
Consider breaking the journey with intermediate stopovers.
Synonyms
middle,
mid,
halfway,
in-between (informal),
midway,
intervening,
transitional,
intermediary,
median,
interposed
in the sense of intimate
Definition
to make (something) known in an indirect way
She intimated that she was contemplating leaving the company.
Synonyms
suggest,
indicate,
hint,
imply,
warn,
allude,
let it be known,
insinuate,
give (someone) to understand,
drop a hint,
tip (someone) the wink (British, informal)
in the sense of involve
Definition
to include as a necessary part
Running a kitchen involves a great deal of discipline and speed.
Synonyms
entail,
mean,
demand,
require,
call for,
occasion (formal),
result in,
imply,
give rise to,
encompass,
necessitate,
take,
require,
presuppose
in the sense of limited
Definition
without fullness or scope
The shop has a very limited selection.
Synonyms
narrow,
little,
small,
restricted,
slight,
inadequate,
minimal,
insufficient,
unsatisfactory,
scant
in the sense of little
Definition
of small quantity, extent, or duration
I had little money and little free time.
Synonyms
not much,
small,
insufficient,
scant,
meagre,
sparse,
skimpy,
measly (informal),
hardly any
in the sense of low
Definition
unworthy or contemptible
That was a really low trick.
Synonyms
contemptible,
mean,
base,
nasty,
cowardly,
degraded,
vulgar,
vile,
sordid,
abject,
unworthy,
despicable,
depraved,
menial,
reprehensible,
dastardly (old-fashioned),
scurvy (old-fashioned),
servile,
unprincipled,
dishonourable,
ignoble
in the sense of magnificent
Definition
superb or very fine
She is magnificent at making you feel able to talk.
Synonyms
brilliant,
fine,
excellent,
outstanding,
superb,
superior,
splendid
in the sense of marvellous
Definition
excellent or splendid
He certainly is a marvellous actor.
Synonyms
excellent,
great,
mean (slang),
topping (British, slang, old-fashioned),
wonderful,
brilliant,
bad (slang),
cracking (British, informal),
amazing,
crucial (slang),
extraordinary,
remarkable,
smashing (informal, old-fashioned),
superb,
spectacular,
fantastic (informal),
magnificent,
astonishing,
fabulous (informal),
divine (informal),
glorious,
terrific (informal),
splendid,
sensational (informal),
mega (slang),
sovereign (old-fashioned),
awesome (slang),
breathtaking,
phenomenal,
astounding,
singular,
miraculous,
colossal,
super (informal),
wicked (informal),
def (slang),
sick (slang),
prodigious,
wondrous (archaic, literary),
brill (informal),
stupendous,
jaw-dropping,
eye-popping,
bodacious (slang, US),
boffo (slang),
jim-dandy (slang),
chillin' (US, slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
mRvLS,
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal),
beaut (informal),
barrie (Scottish, slang),
belting (British, slang),
pearler (Australian, slang)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of masterly
Definition
showing great skill
They gave a masterly performance.
Synonyms
skilful,
skilled,
expert,
finished,
fine,
excellent,
crack (informal),
supreme,
clever,
superior,
world-class,
exquisite,
tasty (British, informal),
adept,
consummate,
first-rate,
superlative,
masterful,
adroit,
dexterous
in the sense of meagre
Definition
not enough in amount or extent
a meagre 3% pay rise
Synonyms
insubstantial,
little,
small,
poor,
spare,
slight,
inadequate,
pathetic,
slender,
scant,
sparse,
deficient,
paltry,
skimpy,
puny,
measly (informal),
scanty,
exiguous (formal),
scrimpy
in the sense of median
Definition
a middle point, plane, or part
The median mark is 7.
Synonyms
middle,
mid,
halfway,
medial
in the sense of medium
Definition
midway between extremes of size, amount, or degree
foods which contain only medium levels of sodium
Synonyms
average,
mean,
middle,
middling,
fair,
intermediate,
midway,
mediocre,
median,
medial
in the sense of menial
Definition
involving or doing boring work of low status
low-paid menial jobs such as cleaning
Synonyms
low-status,
degrading,
lowly,
unskilled,
low,
base,
sorry,
boring,
routine,
dull,
humble,
mean,
vile,
demeaning,
fawning,
abject,
grovelling,
humdrum,
subservient,
ignominious,
sycophantic,
servile,
slavish,
ignoble,
obsequious
in the sense of mercenary
Definition
motivated by greed or the desire for gain
Despite his mercenary motives, he is not a cynic.
Synonyms
greedy,
grasping,
acquisitive,
venal,
avaricious,
covetous,
money-grubbing (informal),
bribable
in the sense of middle
Definition
an area or point equal in distance from the ends or edges of a place
I was in the middle of the back row.
Synonyms
centre,
heart,
inside,
thick,
core,
midst,
nucleus,
hub,
halfway point,
midpoint,
midsection
in the sense of middle
Definition
equally distant from the ends or outer edges of something
that crucial middle point of the picture
Synonyms
central,
medium,
inside,
mid,
intervening,
inner,
halfway,
intermediate,
median,
medial
in the sense of middling
Definition
moderate in size
a man of middling height
Synonyms
moderate,
medium,
average,
fair,
ordinary,
modest,
adequate,
bog-standard (British, Irish, slang)
in the sense of miserable
Definition
sordid or squalid
There was nothing in this miserable place to distract him.
Synonyms
dreary,
bleak,
desolate,
sorry,
depressing,
foul,
dismal,
shabby,
vile,
unhappy,
seedy,
sordid,
squalid,
dilapidated,
wretched,
cheerless,
godforsaken,
uninviting,
scungy (Australian, New Zealand)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of tremendous
Definition
very good or pleasing
I thought it was absolutely tremendous.
Synonyms
excellent,
great,
wonderful,
brilliant,
mean (slang),
topping (British, old-fashioned),
cracking (British, informal),
amazing,
extraordinary,
fantastic,
ace (informal),
incredible,
fabulous,
marvellous,
exceptional,
terrific,
sensational,
sovereign (formal),
awesome (slang),
sick (slang),
super (old-fashioned),
brill (informal),
bodacious (slang, US),
boffo (slang),
jim-dandy (old-fashioned),
chillin' (US, slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal),
beaut (informal),
barrie (Scottish, slang),
belting (British, slang),
pearler (Australian, slang)
in the sense of unfriendly
Definition
not friendly
She spoke in a loud, rather unfriendly voice.
Synonyms
hostile,
cold,
distant,
sour,
chilly,
aloof,
surly,
antagonistic,
disagreeable,
quarrelsome,
unsociable,
ill-disposed,
unneighbourly
in the sense of unpleasant
Definition
not pleasant or agreeable
He was very unpleasant indeed.
Synonyms
obnoxious,
disagreeable,
vicious,
malicious,
rude,
mean (informal),
cruel,
poisonous,
unattractive,
unfriendly,
vindictive,
venomous,
mean-spirited,
inconsiderate,
impolite,
unloveable,
ill-natured,
unlikable or unlikeable
in the sense of vile
Definition
morally wicked
a vile and despicable crime
Synonyms
wicked,
base,
evil,
mean,
bad,
low,
shocking,
appalling,
ugly,
corrupt,
miserable,
vicious,
humiliating,
perverted,
coarse,
degrading,
worthless,
disgraceful,
vulgar,
degenerate,
abject,
sinful,
despicable,
depraved,
debased,
loathsome,
contemptible,
impure,
wretched,
nefarious,
ignoble
in the sense of wicked
From what I have seen so far, she is going to be a wicked dancer.
Synonyms
expert,
great (informal),
strong,
powerful,
masterly,
wonderful,
outstanding,
remarkable,
ace (informal),
first-class,
marvellous,
mighty,
dazzling,
skilful,
A1 (informal),
adept,
deft,
adroit
in the sense of wish
Definition
to desire or prefer to be or do something
We can dress as we wish nowadays.
Synonyms
want,
feel,
choose,
please,
desire,
think fit
in the sense of wonderful
Definition
extremely fine
I've always thought he was a wonderful actor.
Synonyms
excellent,
mean (slang),
great (informal),
topping (British, slang),
brilliant,
cracking (British, informal),
outstanding,
smashing (informal),
superb,
fantastic (informal),
tremendous,
ace (informal),
magnificent,
fabulous (informal),
marvellous,
terrific (informal),
sensational (informal),
sovereign,
awesome (slang),
sick (slang),
admirable,
super (informal),
brill (informal),
stupendous,
out of this world (informal),
tiptop,
bodacious (slang, US),
boffo (slang),
jim-dandy (slang),
chillin' (US, slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal)
in the sense of wretched
Politicians – I hate the whole wretched lot of them.