means

Pluralmeans

1. 1
   stands forverb

   Third-person singular simple present of mean.

   That gesture means something quite different in another culture.

   The new policy means employees can work from home twice a week.

   UsageAfter does, did or doesn't, use mean: what does it mean? (not incorrect: what does it means)

   Note

   Its spelling is identical to the noun's, so position decides. After a singular subject it is the verb (the sign means stop, she means well). After a determiner it is the noun (a means, this means of escape). The form covers both main branches of the verb: intending, as in she means to leave, and signifying, as in the word means 'average'.

2. 2
   methodnouncountable

   An instrument or condition used to bring about a particular result.

   Negotiation proved the surest means of ending the dispute peacefully.

   The charity relied on small donations as its main means of survival.

   UsageSay a means even for one (not incorrect: a mean). Common patterns include a means of doing something and a means to an end.

   Similarmethod, way, instrument, mode, avenue

   Oppositeend

   Note

   Bacon's History of the reign of King Henry VII (1622) writes "by this means", and Shakespeare's Timon of Athens pairs "what other means" with a singular "is left".

3. 3
   wealthnoununcountableplural

   The money and other financial resources a person has; a person 'of means' has a lot of them and is wealthy.

   He lived well within his means and never carried any debt.

   Travel on that scale was far beyond the means of an ordinary clerk.

   UsageMost often after a possessive: live within your means, beyond her means.

   Note

   The money sense keeps its plural ending and usually takes a plural verb (his means are limited), though it can also behave like a mass noun (men without much means). Independent means is the set phrase for income a person does not have to work for.

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