rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymeansMethod
noun

means

MEENZ/miːnz/

Resources by which a purpose can be accomplished.

A repair kit and pump give him the means to fix his bicycle.

An older man repairs a bicycle puncture using a readily available repair kit and pump: concrete resources that enable him to make the bicycle usable.
Etymology
meanOld Frenchmiddle; intermediary; means
+sEnglishplural

Old French meien meant both “middle” and “intermediary.” A means became a way of reaching an end, then the resources available for doing so.

In context

Anderson0:02
you are to live below your means but within your needs do you hear me everybody I don't care if you can afford a 3,000 foot home buy a 2500 foot home
Top 3 Money-Saving Tips from Suze Orman

More examples

  • She lacks the means to pay for college.
  • The bus is his only means of transportation.
  • We use email as a means of staying in touch.

Forms

means

Similar words

resources
Emphasizes available supplies, support, or assets rather than methods.
method
Specifies a procedure rather than the resources needed.
funds
Refers specifically to money available for a purpose.