easy
The mean of two, four, and six is four.
What does Mean mean?
The mean is an average found by sharing the total equally; mean can also mean signify, intend, or be unkind.
Dictionary definition
In statistics, the arithmetic mean is found by adding values and dividing by how many values there are; mean can also mean signify or intend, and as an adjective can mean unkind or average.
Example sentences
Mean in a sentence
medium
What does the symbol mean in this diagram?
hard
I meant to help, even though my rushed words sounded mean.
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Practice the meaning of Mean
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What is the mean of 3, 5, 7, and 9?
The sum is 24 and there are 4 values, so 24 ÷ 4 = 6.
Practice 2
Which description best explains the mean?
The arithmetic mean redistributes the total equally across all data positions.
Practice 3
How can a very large outlier affect the mean?
The mean uses every value, so extreme values can influence it strongly.
Practice complete
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Mean
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MEEN
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WordMean.
Partnoun, verb, adjective.
MeaningMean means The mean is an average found by sharing the total equally; mean can also mean signify, intend, or be unkind.
ExampleExample: The mean of two, four, and six is four.
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Synonyms
Words like Mean
Antonyms
Opposite words
kindA direct antonym only for the adjective sense meaning unkind.
Synonym practice
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Word family
Mean word family
Base word
mean
verb
means
Signifies or intends now; also plural of the statistical noun.
verb
meant
Signified or intended in the past.
noun
meaning
What something signifies or communicates.
adjective
meaningful
Having important or clear meaning.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Mean
Hint for students
Add every value, then divide by the number of values. Think of the result as an equal-share or balance point.
Common mix-up
Mean is one kind of average, not another name for median or mode. It may not be one of the original data values and can be strongly affected by outliers.
Try it in class or at home
Calculate the mean and median of a small data set, add one extreme value, and compare how each statistic changes. Explain which better represents the typical value.
Teacher prompt
Model the data 2, 3, 4, and 11 with counters. Redistribute all 20 counters equally to show why the mean is 5, then discuss the outlier’s effect.
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