means
meenz
Means (noun) means a method, tool, or resource used to achieve a particular result. Example: “Recycling is one means of reducing landfill waste.”
noun
1
A method, tool, or resource used to achieve a particular result.
"Recycling is one means of reducing landfill waste."
"They found a means of escape through the back window."
"Email is the quickest means of reaching everyone in the team."
2
Financial resources or wealth.
"He lived well beyond his means."
"Her family were people of means who owned several houses."
"Students without private means often take part-time work."
How to use means
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA way of doing something, or, separately, the money someone has available.
Common mistake
Despite the "-s", "means" in the "method" sense is often treated as singular ("a means to an end") — don't automatically add or remove the "s" when changing number.
Common pairings
by all means
means to an end
live within your means
a man of means
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Word forms
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Recycling is one _____ of reducing landfill waste.
Etymology
From mean in the sense "method used to achieve a result" — compare French moyens.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for means
See all rhymes for means →Frequently asked questions
What does “means” mean?
The word “means” means a method, tool, or resource used to achieve a particular result. In plain terms, a way of doing something, or, separately, the money someone has available.
How do you pronounce “means”?
“Means” is pronounced meenz (/minz/ in IPA).
How do you use “means” in a sentence?
Here is “means” used in a sentence: “Recycling is one means of reducing landfill waste.”
What part of speech is “means”?
“Means” is a noun.
Where does the word “means” come from?
The word “means” comes from French. From mean in the sense "method used to achieve a result" — compare French moyens.
Is “means” a common word?
“Means” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “means” have?
“Means” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a method, tool, or resource used to achieve a particular result.
What is the difference between 'means' and 'method'?
The two overlap but differ in emphasis. A 'means' is whatever you use to reach a result: a tool, resource, or route. A 'method' is a systematic way of doing something, a set procedure. So a method is a planned approach, while a means is the instrument or resource that makes it possible.
Is 'means' singular or plural?
'Means' can be either, and the spelling never changes. It is singular in 'a means to an end' or 'every means was tried,' and plural in 'all available means were used.' The surrounding words show which is intended, and the verb agrees with the sense you have in mind.
What does 'live within your means' mean?
Here 'means' refers to money and financial resources, essentially your income. To 'live within your means' is to spend no more than you earn, avoiding debt. The opposite, 'living beyond your means,' describes spending more than you can afford. This financial sense of 'means' is always plural in form.
What does 'the ends justify the means' mean?
This phrase argues that a good outcome (the 'ends') can excuse the methods used to reach it (the 'means'), even questionable ones. It is often debated in ethics, where many hold that some means are wrong regardless of the result. Here 'means' keeps its sense of methods or actions.
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