# meant

/ˈmɛnt/ (US) · /mˈɛnt/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/meant
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I was meant that..." but "I meant that..." — Learners often incorrectly use the passive voice when they simply want to express a past intention or meaning.

## Usage notes

- Often followed by an infinitive with 'to' when expressing intention, or a 'that' clause when expressing significance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.