I mean

phrase

Used to correct or clarify something that has just been said.

She's very stubborn — I mean, tenacious.
Visual representation of "I mean" - Used to correct or clarify something that has just been said

Often appears as...

  • i mean
  • seriously

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Used to express strong affirmation or agreement.

Do you think she should apologize? I mean, yeah, definitely.
Visual representation of "I mean" - Used to express strong affirmation or agreement

Often appears as...

  • i mean
  • sure

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

phrase

Used to introduce a further and stronger or more surprising point.

He's not only a great player— I mean, he's considered one of the best in the world.
Visual representation of "I mean" - Used to introduce a further and stronger or more surprising point

Often appears as...

  • i mean
  • seriously
phrase

Used as a filler word or acknowledgement during conversation.

I mean, I can come earlier if you want.
Visual representation of "I mean" - Used as a filler word or acknowledgement during conversation

Often appears as...

  • i mean
  • though

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

phrase

Used to indicate that one is about to say something different or surprising.

I trusted him. I mean, I had no reason not to.
Visual representation of "I mean" - Used to indicate that one is about to say something different or surprising

Often appears as...

  • i mean
  • but

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Used to correct or clarify something that has just been said.

She's very stubborn — I mean, tenacious.
Visual representation of "I mean" - Used to correct or clarify something that has just been said

Often appears as...

  • i mean
  • seriously

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Used to express strong affirmation or agreement.

Do you think she should apologize? I mean, yeah, definitely.
Visual representation of "I mean" - Used to express strong affirmation or agreement

Often appears as...

  • i mean
  • sure

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

phrase

Used to introduce a further and stronger or more surprising point.

He's not only a great player— I mean, he's considered one of the best in the world.
Visual representation of "I mean" - Used to introduce a further and stronger or more surprising point

Often appears as...

  • i mean
  • seriously
phrase

Used as a filler word or acknowledgement during conversation.

I mean, I can come earlier if you want.
Visual representation of "I mean" - Used as a filler word or acknowledgement during conversation

Often appears as...

  • i mean
  • though

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

phrase

Used to indicate that one is about to say something different or surprising.

I trusted him. I mean, I had no reason not to.
Visual representation of "I mean" - Used to indicate that one is about to say something different or surprising

Often appears as...

  • i mean
  • but

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 5
Visual representation of "I mean"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Clarifying Point

Use 'I mean' to rephrase what you just said for clear understanding.

Illustration for Clarifying Point
It's fairly easy, I mean, it's not too difficult to learn.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Correcting Yourself

You can say 'I mean' when you realize you've made a small mistake in your speech.

Illustration for Correcting Yourself
He's from Austria, I mean, Australia.
Visual representation of the word "I mean"

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