mean crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with the clue "mean"? You're not alone! This word is a classic crossword puzzler due to its many definitions. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to crack your puzzle.
Solutions for "mean crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
VILE: Extremely unpleasant or morally bad, often used as a synonym for 'mean' in its unkind sense.
5 Letters
CRUEL: Intentionally causing suffering or pain, a direct synonym for 'mean' as an adjective.
NASTY: Unpleasant, unkind, or malicious in behavior or character.
6 Letters
STINGY: Unwilling to give or spend; ungenerous, another common interpretation of 'mean' as an adjective.
INTEND: To have in mind as a purpose or goal, used when 'mean' refers to a verb, as in "What do you mean to do?"
IMPORT: To signify or convey meaning, as in "What does that statement import?"
7 Letters
AVERAGE: Referring to the arithmetic mean, the sum of values divided by the number of values.
SIGNIFY: To be an indication of or to denote, closely related to 'intend' or 'import' in meaning.
8 Letters
INDICATE: To point out or show; suggest, another verb synonym for 'mean' when it implies showing something.
9 Letters
MALICIOUS: Characterized by malice; intending or intended to do harm, a stronger form of 'mean' in its negative sense.
More About "mean crossword clue"
"Mean" is a fascinating word in the English language, primarily because of its polysemous nature – it possesses multiple distinct meanings. This characteristic makes it a go-to choice for crossword puzzle constructors who love to play on ambiguity. As an adjective, "mean" can describe someone unkind, selfish, or even of low quality. As a verb, it signifies intent or to convey meaning. And as a noun, it refers to the arithmetic average. This versatility allows setters to craft clues that can lead you down several different paths, often requiring you to consider context and letter count carefully.
When you encounter "mean" in a crossword, don't jump to the most obvious definition. Instead, pause and consider which of its many forms fits the available letters and any intersecting words. Could it be about an arithmetic calculation? A cruel disposition? Or simply what something signifies? Understanding these nuances is key to mastering clues like this and improving your overall crossword-solving skills.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Embrace Ambiguity: For words like "mean" that have multiple meanings, always consider all possibilities before settling on an answer. Don't be afraid to try out synonyms for different definitions.
- Check Letter Count First: The number of letters is often your strongest hint. It immediately narrows down the pool of potential answers for a given clue.
- Utilize Intersecting Words: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is by seeing if it works with the intersecting words. If a letter doesn't fit, your "mean" answer might be the wrong definition.
- Consider Part of Speech: Is the clue "mean" implying an adjective (cruel, stingy), a verb (intend, signify), or a noun (average)? This can guide you towards the correct type of answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does "mean" have so many different crossword answers?
The word "mean" is highly polysemous, meaning it has multiple distinct definitions (e.g., unkind, average, to signify). Crossword setters exploit this ambiguity to create challenging clues that can refer to any of these meanings, often depending on the required letter count.
How can I tell which meaning of "mean" a crossword clue refers to?
Context is key. Look at the number of letters required, surrounding letters if you have them, and the theme of the puzzle. Common synonyms for each meaning (e.g., "cruel" for unkind, "average" for mathematical, "intend" for purpose) are usually good indicators.
Are there common crossword tricks related to the word "mean"?
Yes, "mean" is a classic trick word. It often appears when the setter wants to mislead you into thinking of one definition when another is intended. Be aware of its various parts of speech (verb, adjective, noun) which can also change the required answer type.