want / mean

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Alex+  #497026  Sun, 06 Apr 08 07:16 AM
1. "Sorry. I didn't mean to push you." 2. "Sorry. I didn't want to push you." Which sentence is more common? What's the difference in the meaning of "mean" and "want" in this situation?
  
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Avangi  #497038  Sun, 06 Apr 08 08:08 AM

The first is more common.  I didn't intend to push you.  It was an accident. (There was no volition involved.)

I didn't want to suggests there may have been some mental process involved.  That is, you left me no choice, so I had to push you.  I would have preferred not to have to do it.

 

  
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Alex+  #497094  Sun, 06 Apr 08 10:52 AM
Thanks for very clear explanation.
  
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