means

/mi:nz/ noun plural means

1 METHOD (C) a method, system, object etc that you use as a way of achieving a result

(+ of): What would be the most effective means of advertising our product? | means of transport BrE /transportation AmE: We had no means of transport except for two bicycles. | by honest/fair etc means: The money was acquired by dishonest means. | means of identification (=something that shows your name and address)

2 by means of using a particular method or system: The blocks are raised by means of pulleys.

3 by all means spoken used to mean 'of course' when politely allowing someone to do something or agreeing with a suggestion: "Can I bring Alan to the party?" "By all means!" | By all means try the jacket on, but I think it will be too big for you.

4 by no means/not by any means not at all: It is by no means certain that the game will take place. | She's not a bad kid, by any means.

5 a means to an end something that you do only to achieve a result, not because you want to do it: For Geoff, the job was simply a means to an end.

6 MONEY (plural) the money or income that you have: have the means to do sth: I don't have the means to support a family. | according to your means: Each member contributes according to his or her means. | beyond your means (=costing more than you can afford): These medical costs are beyond the means of most working people. | within your means (=not costing more than you can afford): The cost should be well within the means of the average family.

7 man/woman of means literary someone who is rich

8 the means of production technical the material, tools, and equipment that are used in the production of goods: public ownership of the means of production

—see also: by fair means or foul fair 1 (13), ways and means way 1 (3)