Word
meant
US/ˈmɛnt/
UK/mˈɛnt/
Definition
v. the past form of 'mean'. You use it to talk about what someone intended to say or do, or what a sign or word represented in the past.
v. the past tense and past participle of 'mean'. Refers to past intentions, significations, or consequences.
Examples
“I meant to call you yesterday, but I forgot.”
“The red light meant that the machine was overheating and needed to be shut down immediately.”
“Although the policy was meant to reduce administrative overhead, it inadvertently created a secondary layer of bureaucracy that frustrated the very staff it was designed to assist.”
Examples
simple
“I meant to call you yesterday, but I forgot.”
contextual
“The red light meant that the machine was overheating and needed to be shut down immediately.”
complex
“Although the policy was meant to reduce administrative overhead, it inadvertently created a secondary layer of bureaucracy that frustrated the very staff it was designed to assist.”
Usage
Often followed by an infinitive with 'to' when expressing intention, or a 'that' clause when expressing significance.
Pitfall
I was meant that...
I meant that...
Learners often incorrectly use the passive voice when they simply want to express a past intention or meaning.
Etymology
From Middle English ment, mente, from Old English mǣnde, mǣndon, etc. Equivalent to mean + -t.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. meant to
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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