mean
verb (used with object)
to have in mind as one's purpose or intention.
had meant
-
past perfectof mean.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In China, World War II had meant liberation for Manchuria—but it also cleared the way for Mao’s rise to power.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
From the front steps, he spoke about what this house had meant to him and his family.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2026
Story wasn’t buying it, telling reporters “it’s pretty undisputable” that Valdez had meant to hit him.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 6, 2026
"It had meant so much to me, it meant so much to so many people and that really, really hurt, not being able to do that any more."
From BBC ● Apr. 14, 2026
She had meant to take an hour’s catnap and be up well before her pupils, but the Incorrigibles had risen much earlier than usual, as children are apt to do on any long-awaited holiday.
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
