mean to

mean to (do something)

To have the intention, desire, or obligation to do something. I've been meaning to see that new movie everyone is talking about. A: "Did you mow the lawn?" B: "No, I meant to do it yesterday, but I ran out of time."See also: mean

mean to (one)

To be of importance, significance, or worth to one. A noun or pronoun can be used between "mean" and "to." It's hard to quantify what this amazing gift means to our community, but suffice to say that it will change many lives for the better. Criticism like that doesn't mean anything to me—I just let it roll off me like water off a duck's back.See also: mean

mean to (do something)

to intend to do something. Did you mean to do that? No, it was an accident. I didn't mean to.See also: mean

mean to

Intend to, as in I meant to go running this morning but got up too late, or I'm sorry I broke it-I didn't mean to. This idiom was first recorded in 1560. See also: mean