mean

The past tense and -ed participle of the verb mean is meant /ment/.

You use mean when you are talking or asking about the meaning of a word or expression.

What does ‘imperialism’ mean?

‘Pandemonium’ means ‘the place of all devils’.

Be careful
You must use the auxiliary verb does in questions like these. Don't say, for example, ‘What means `imperialism’?'

You can use mean with an -ing form to say what an attitude or type of behaviour involves.

Healthy living means being physically and mentally healthy.

I've got to do the right thing, even if it means taking a risk.

What someone means is what they are referring to or intend to say.

That friend of Sami's was there. Do you know the one I mean?

I thought you meant that you wanted some more to eat.

Be careful
Don't use ‘mean’ to talk about what people think or believe. Don't say, for example, ‘Most people mean he should resign’. Say ‘Most people think he should resign’.

I think a woman has as much right to work as a man.

Most scientists believe that climate change is caused by human activity.

In conversation, you can use ‘I mean’ to explain or correct something that you have just said.

So what happens now? With your job, I mean.

I don't want to go. I mean, I want to, but I can't.