What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stingy
Example
He's so stingy, he never tips the waiter. [stingy: adjective]
Example
She was stingy with her time and never helped out when needed. [stingy: adjective]
mean
Example
He was mean to his little sister and always teased her. [mean: adjective]
Example
She was being mean by not inviting her friend to the party. [mean: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mean is more commonly used than stingy in everyday language. Mean is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while stingy is less common and more specific to situations involving money or resources.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stingy and mean?
Both stingy and mean are informal words, but mean can be used in more formal contexts to describe behavior or actions that are unfair or unjust.
