Cool MateMean vs Not very nice at all
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Mean
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Not very nice at all
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: MeanMost common: Mean
| Mean | Not very nice at all | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/miːn/","/miːnz/","/ment/","/ˈmiːnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/miːn/","/miːnz/","/ment/","/ˈmiːnɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //nɒt ˈvɛri naɪs æt ɔːl//🇺🇸 //nɑt ˈvɛri naɪs æt ɔl// |
| Meaning | unpleasant or cruel; unkind. | Very unkind or unpleasant. |
| Example | What does this word mean in English? | She was not very nice at all during the meeting. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | mean attitude, mean comments, mean person, mean joke | not very nice at all to someone, not very nice at all behavior, not very nice at all comments, find something not very nice at all |
| Antonyms | kind, generous, nice | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'mean' as in average or mathematical average., Misused as an adjective without an object (e.g., 'She is mean' usually needs context)., Overused to describe minor annoyances rather than significant unkindness. | Using it in a positive context., Confusing it with 'very nice at all'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'mean' when describing someone's unkind behavior. It is neutral but can be perceived as informal in some contexts. Avoid using it in formal settings or when discussing intentions. | Use this phrase to express disappointment or disapproval informally. Avoid in formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Mean vs Not very nice at all
What's the difference between Mean and Not very nice at all?
Mean: unpleasant or cruel; unkind. Not very nice at all: Very unkind or unpleasant.
Which is more formal: Mean and Not very nice at all?
Mean is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Mean and Not very nice at all?
Mean is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Mean: What does this word mean in English? Not very nice at all: She was not very nice at all during the meeting.
Can I use Mean and Not very nice at all interchangeably?
Not always. Mean and Not very nice at all are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.