I mean

That is, roughly

I mean is a conversational phrase with two main functions.

It can introduce clarification or correction of what you just said: The meeting is Thursday—I mean Friday.

More often, it's a filler that signals you're about to explain, elaborate, or justify: I mean, it's not like we had a choice.

In this second use, I mean buys time while thinking or softens a statement that might sound too blunt.

Related

likeComparable to, or enjoy
you knowFiller seeking confirmation
you know whatImplicit shared knowledge
basicallyAt the most essential level
essentiallyAt its core nature

actually · well · so · the thing is · clarify · rephrase · in other words · that is · to put it simply · to be clear · honestly · to be honest · frankly · really · intend · suggest · imply · expressing

Categories

filler phrasesum, uh, like, you know, basically
I statementsI am, I feel, I think, I believe, I want
disfluencystutter, stammer, stammering, stuttering, disfluency
fillersfiller, gap filler, filler material, caulk, grout
filler wordsum, uh, er, hmm, ah
Timid expressionsum, uh, well, maybe, perhaps

Opposites

discursive function

I meannever mind

Retraction of a statement

scratch that · on second thought · anyway · in conclusion · moving on

precision of intent

Expression of apathy

or something · you know what I mean · sort of · kind of · if you will

commitment to statement

Uncertain agreement phrase

I suppose · maybe · perhaps · allegedly · just kidding

Family

mean, me, mine, meaning, meant, means, meaningful, meaningless, meaningfully

Familiarity: Top 2,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G