# mein

/ˈmin/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mein
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the way a person looks or behaves, especially their facial expression or how they carry themselves. It often shows what kind of mood or character they have.

For teachers: a person's appearance, manner, or facial expression, especially as indicative of their character or mood. Typically used in literary or formal contexts to describe an outward manifestation of an internal state.

## Examples

- He had a quiet, serious mein during the meeting.
- Despite the chaotic surroundings, the captain maintained a calm and professional mein that reassured the entire crew.
- The diplomat's stoic mein betrayed nothing of his internal anxiety as he navigated the delicate negotiations between the two rival factions.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He ate a bowl of chicken mein." but "He ate a bowl of chicken chow mein." — Learners may confuse the literary word 'mein' (appearance) with the Chinese-derived culinary suffix '-mein' (noodles).

## Usage notes

- Usually singular; often modified by an adjective to describe a specific temperament.

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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.