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  1. #1
    user786 is offline Newbie
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    Default meaning of English phrase

    What does it mean:

    "He is not mean"

    Can you please explain?

    Thank you very much

    waleed

  2. #2
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    euncu is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: meaning of English phrase

    ***Neither a teacher nor a native-speaker.***

    Quote Originally Posted by user786 View Post
    What does it mean:

    "He is not mean"
    Sounds like " He is a good guy".

  3. #3
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    Teacher

    Default Re: meaning of English phrase

    It could mean several things. Could you provide more context?

  4. #4
    englishhobby is offline Member
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    Default Re: meaning of English phrase

    Here are two basic meanings of "mean" as an adjective (from Longman Online Dictionary):
    1. cruel or not kind:
    That was a mean thing to do.
    I felt a bit mean asking him to help.
    It's a mean trick to play on someone.
    It was mean of him not to invite her.

    mean to
    Don't be so mean to her!
    2. not generous British English not wanting to spend money, or not wanting to use much of something [= stingy; = cheap AmE]
    He's too mean to buy a present for his wife.
    mean with
    He's always been mean with his money.
    It was supposed to be garlic bread, but they'd been a bit mean with the garlic.

    So you may choose the one which best suits your context.

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