noun

means

method, way, resources, wealth

Email is a means of communication.

Email is a means of communication.

He has the means to buy a new car.

He has the means to buy a new car.

This is by no means the end.

This is by no means the end.

((a means of sth.)) a way of achieving sth. Email is a means of communication.

((the means to do sth.)) the money or resources to do sth. He has the means to buy a car.

((by no means)) not at all This is by no means the end.

Synonyms: method, way, resources; Antonyms: end, goal

From Old French 'moien', meaning 'middle' or 'intermediate'. Related to 'medium'.

Think of it as the 'means' to an end. It's the 'middle' part of getting something done. Note: It's a plural noun but can take a singular verb (e.g., 'This means is effective').

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.