Pattern: be-mean-to-noun
Structure Overview
Formula: be + mean + to + Noun Phrase (Person/Animal)
Core Meaning: Employs "mean" as an adjective to describe behavior that is cruel, unkind, or malicious toward another person or an animal.
💬 Contextual Examples
- It is not nice to be mean to people who are trying to help you.
- The older kids were being mean to him on the playground.
🎴 Interactive Web Practice (Click to Reveal)
Practice 1: Why are you always so mean ______ your little brother?
Answer:
to
Practice 2: She was crying because someone was ______ to her at school.
Answer:
mean
🔗 Knowledge Base Connections
- 🔑 Parent Keyword: mean