mean (adj.) Copy link Outline I. MiddleII. Low in rank or birth1. hŭmĭlis2. sordĭdus (stronger than humilis, and implying actual degradationIII. Grovelling, miserly1. sordĭdus2. illībĕrālis (unworthy of a free-man, or, as we say, of a gentleman)IV. Slight, contemptible • mean (adj.): I. Middle: mĕdius: v. intermediate. In the m. time, interim, interea: v. MEANWHILE. II. Low in rank or birth: 1. hŭmĭlis: v. humble (I.), low (VI.). 2. sordĭdus (stronger than humilis, and implying actual degradation: cf. Liv. 22, 25, extr., loco non humili solum, sed etiam sordido ortus): the very m.est people, sordidissimus quisque, id. 1, 47: Cic. III. Grovelling, miserly: 1. sordĭdus: Hor.: Quint.: v. niggardly. 2. illībĕrālis (unworthy of a free-man, or, as we say, of a gentleman): Cic.: v. unhandsome. IV. Slight, contemptible: mĕdiocris, e: esp. with a negative: no m. men, non mediocres viri, Cic. Rep. 3, 11: no m. instrument, (non) m. telum [ad res gerendas], id. Am. 17, 61. See also contemptible, insignificant.