means

[miːnz]

means Definition

• 1. an action or system by which a result is brought about; a method
• 2. financial resources
• 3. a way of achieving or expressing something

Using means: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "means" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The means of transportation in this city are buses and trains.

• Example

  He used every means at his disposal to get the job done.

• Example

  She had no means of supporting herself after losing her job.

• Example

  The end justifies the means.

means Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for means

• method
• way
• mode
• process
• technique

Antonyms for means

• end
• outcome
• result

Idioms Using means

• by means of

  with the help of; by using

  Example

  The message was sent by means of a secure channel.

• by no means

  not at all; definitely not

  Example

  This is by no means the end of the story.

• by any means

  in any way possible

  Example

  We need to finish this project by any means necessary.

Phrases with means

• by all means

  used to give permission or to express willingness to have something happen

  Example

  By all means, let's go out for dinner tonight.

• by no means

  not at all; definitely not

  Example

  This is by no means the end of the story.

• live beyond one's means

  spend more money than one can afford

  Example

  She was living beyond her means and had to declare bankruptcy.

Origins of means

from Old English 'mǣnan', meaning 'to mean'

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Summary: means in Brief

The term 'means' [miːnz] refers to a method or system by which a result is achieved, as well as financial resources. It can also denote a way of achieving or expressing something, as in 'The end justifies the means.' Phrases like 'by all means' and 'by no means' express permission and negation, respectively. Idioms like 'by means of' and 'by any means' denote the use of a particular method or any possible method, respectively.