mean (subs.) Copy link Outline I. That which lies between two opposites1. mŏdus (the proper measure or limit)2. mĕdiocrĭtasII. Usu. pl., that which conduces to an end • mean (subs.): I. That which lies between two opposites: 1. mŏdus (the proper measure or limit): there is a m. in all things, est m. in rebus, Hor. S. 1, 1, 106 (see the place): v. measure, limit. 2. mĕdiocrĭtas: to observe the m. (in action), m. tenere [quae est inter nimium et parum], Cic. Off. 1, 25, fin.: the golden m. (of poverty and riches), aurea m., Hor. Od. 2, 10, 5. Phr.: to observe the m., temperamentum tenere, Plin. Ep. 1, 7, 3 (temp. implies a blending of two things; mediocritas, a steering between them). For medius (not medium as subs.), v. intermediate. II. Usu. pl., that which conduces to an end: v. means.