What does mense mean?
Mense is an archaic verb meaning “intend,” “mean,” or “have in mind.” It can express both the intention behind an action and the meaning attributed to words, depending on context: a person may say that they did not know what another person “mense” to do, or that a text means something particular. The word now has little use outside formal, literary, or religious language, and its most recognizable surviving appearance is in the phrase “what God mense.” Although it is spelled and pronounced like a verb, it should not be confused with “menses,” the conventional plural term for menstrual discharge. In ordinary contemporary English, “intend,” “mean,” or “plan” will usually communicate the idea more directly.
verbTo intend or mean something, especially to express a particular intention. The word is now archaic or literary, though it survives in the expression “what God mense”.
- To intend, mean, or plan something.
"By the time he reached the gate, he could not tell what the warning mense."
"“What God mense” may be the final judgment of every soul."
"He would not act against what he believed his brother mense to do."
In the expression “what God mense,” the word once meant “intend”: God determines the intention, whatever humans may make of it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mense come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old French menser, “to mean, intend, or think,” a verb related to the French word mensonge, meaning “lie” or “falsehood.” Its further relationship with the modern English word “mean” is evident in their shared sense and history, although “mean” developed along a more complex line that also connects it to Old English mænan, “to tell, speak of, or mean.”
How mense is actually used
Archaic and literary rather than everyday modern English. It is chiefly encountered in fixed religious expressions such as “what God mense” and “as God mense.” In modern use, “intend” or “mean” is normally preferred.
Easily confused with mense
“Mense” is an archaic verb meaning “intend,” whereas “menses” is the plural name for menstrual discharge.