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means

Pronunciation: /miːnz/

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Definition of means

noun

  • 1 [treated as singular or plural] (often means of/to do something) an action or system by which a result is achieved; a method:technology seen as a means to bring about emancipation resolving disputes by peaceful means
  • 2financial resources; income:a woman of modest but independent means
  • substantial resources; wealth:a man of means

Phrases

beyond (or within) one's means

beyond (or within) one’s budget or income: the government is living beyond its means a flat that was within her means

by all means

of course; certainly (granting a permission):‘May I make a suggestion?’ ‘By all means.’

by any means

[with negative] in any way; at all:I’m not poor by any means

by means of

with the help of; by using:supplying water to cities by means of aqueducts

by no means

(or by no manner of means)
not at all; certainly not:the outcome is by no means guaranteed

means of grace

Christian Theology the sacraments and other religious agencies viewed as the means by which divine grace is imparted to the soul, or by which growth in grace is promoted.

means of production

(in a political context) the facilities and resources for producing goods: in this society the means of production are communally owned

a means to an end

a thing that is not valued or important in itself but is useful in achieving an aim:higher education was seen primarily as a means to an end

Origin:

late Middle English: plural of mean3, the early sense being 'intermediary'

means in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of means in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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