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UK//wɒt aɪ mɛnt wəz//US//wɑt aɪ mɛnt wəz//

Meaning of What i meant was

A phrase used to clarify or explain one's intended meaning.

In simple words: This is how you explain what you really wanted to say.

What i meant was in a sentence

  • I didn't mean to offend you; what I meant was I was surprised.
  • That's not quite right; what I meant was something different.
  • If it sounds confusing, what I meant was more straightforward.

How to use What i meant was

Use this phrase to clarify a misunderstanding. It's appropriate in friendly or professional conversations but avoid it in very formal settings.

Grammar pattern

standalone explanation

Memory hint

Think of 'what I meant was' as showing the right road when someone took a wrong turn.

Related words

Collocations with What i meant was

  • what I meant was that
  • let me explain what I meant
  • do you understand what I meant?

Synonyms for What i meant was

  • I meant to say
  • what I intended was
  • let me clarify

Opposites of What i meant was

  • I misunderstood
  • What I didn't say was
  • I meant something else

Common mistakes with What i meant was

  • Using it without needing clarification
  • Confusing with 'what I mean is'

What i meant was appears in

What i meant was in other languages

More chunks like What i meant was

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Frequently asked questions about What i meant was

What does What i meant was mean?

This is how you explain what you really wanted to say.

What is the definition of What i meant was?

A phrase used to clarify or explain one's intended meaning.

How do you use What i meant was in a sentence?

I didn't mean to offend you; what I meant was I was surprised.

Can you give another example of What i meant was?

That's not quite right; what I meant was something different.

What are synonyms for What i meant was?

Common alternatives include I meant to say, what I intended was, let me clarify.

What is the opposite of What i meant was?

Opposite meanings include I misunderstood, What I didn't say was, I meant something else.

What words go with What i meant was?

It commonly pairs with what I meant was that, let me explain what I meant, do you understand what I meant?.

What are common mistakes when using What i meant was?

Using it without needing clarification Confusing with 'what I mean is'

How do you pronounce What i meant was?

US: //wɑt aɪ mɛnt wəz//, UK: //wɒt aɪ mɛnt wəz//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use What i meant was?

Use this phrase to clarify a misunderstanding. It's appropriate in friendly or professional conversations but avoid it in very formal settings.