means

/ miːnz /

noun

1. functioning as singular or plural the medium, method, or instrument used to obtain a result or achieve an end

   a means of communication

2. functioning as plural resources or income
3. functioning as plural considerable wealth or income

   a man of means

4. by all means
   without hesitation or doubt; certainly

   come with us by all means

5. by means of
   with the use or help of
6. by no manner of means
   definitely not

   he was by no manner of means a cruel man

7. by no means or not by any means
   on no account; in no way

   by no means come!

Idioms and Phrases

see beyond one's means ; by all means ; by any means ; by means of ; by no means ; end justifies the means .

Example Sentences

That means it currently dominates the rare earths supply chain and has the capacity to decide which companies can and cannot receive supplies of rare earths.

From BBC

"Unfortunately, we have no viable means of preventing illicit shipments," he says, adding the firm co-operates with authorities and has many staff originating from Haiti.

From BBC

Instead, it will be the start of another robust scientific debate about whether the biosignature could be produced by non-living means.

From BBC

"We must see strong communication about what the service is and what it means in practical terms for patient care," director of policy Sharon Brennan said.

From BBC

But she believes that being impersonated is actually a marker of someone's popularity and fame, saying that "it means you've arrived".

From BBC

Related Words

• aid
• channel
• equipment
• factor
• instrument
• measure
• mechanism
• medium
• mode
• power
• process
• route
• step
• system
• tactic
• technique
• vehicle