Meanest

/ˈminɪst/ adjective

Definition

The most unkind, cruel, or unfriendly; or the most humble, poor, or inferior.

Etymology

Meanest is the superlative form of 'mean,' which comes from Old English 'mæne' meaning 'common' or 'shared.' It evolved into meanings of both 'unkind' and 'humble/lowly,' with superlatives naturally following the same pattern.

Kelly Says

The word 'mean' is fascinating because it has two opposite meanings—'unkind' and 'humble/poor'—and both came from the same root, showing how a word's meaning can split in completely different directions over time.

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