meansmeans /miːnz/ ●●○ S3 W2 noun (plural means) 
For most people, the car is still their main means of transport. The only means of communication was sign language. The window was our only means of escape. Do you have any means of identification? art as a means of expression Homework should not be used as a means of controlling children. I had no means of telling him I would be late. Brian was prepared to use any means to get what he wanted. They had entered the country by unlawful means. the means by which performance is assessed► see thesaurus at method2money [plural] the money or income that you havehave the means to do something I don’t have the means to support a family. Paying for your children to go to a private school is beyond the means of most people (=too expensive for most people). Try to live within your means (=only spending what you can afford). His father was a man of means (=a rich man).3by all means! spoken used to mean ‘of course’ when politely allowing someone to do something or agreeing with a suggestion: ‘Can I bring Alan?’ ‘By all means!’4by 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.5by means of something formal using a particular method or system: The blocks are raised by means of pulleys.6a means to an end something that you do only to achieve a result, not because you want to do it or because it is important: For Geoff, the job was simply a means to an end.7the means of production the material, tools, and equipment that are used in the production of goods → ways and means at way1(1)COLLOCATIONSadjectivesan effective/efficient means· Speed bumps are an effective means of stopping cars from going too fast.a useful means· Local radio is a useful means of advertising.the only means· Then, horses and carts were the only means of transport available.the best means· Is this really the best means of achieving our goal?an important means· Surveys are an important means of gathering information.lawful/legal means· Their protests will continue, but only by legal means.unlawful/illegal means· He was accused of attempting to overthrow the government using unlawful means.unfair means· Anyone trying to use unfair means in an examination will be reported to the University.phrasesa means of transport British English, a means of transportation American English (=a way of travelling, for example using a car, bus, bicycle etc)· The tram is an efficient means of transport.a means of communication (=a way of talking to someone, for example by phone, writing etc)· Newspapers are still an important means of communication.a means of expression (=a way of expressing your feelings or opinions)· Music and art are important means of expression.a means of identification (=an official document that shows who you are)· Do you have any means of identification?the means of production (=factories and equipment used for producing goods – used especially in Marxism)· the class of people which owns the means of productionthe end justifies the means (=the result you achieve is more important than the way you do it)· It’s too bad if people get hurt - the end justifies the means.a means to an end (=something you do only to achieve a result, not because you want to do it or because it is important)· Many of the students saw the course as a means to an end: a way of getting a good job.(whether) by fair means or foul (=using unfair methods if necessary)· They were determined to achieve victory, by fair means or foul.verbshave no/any/some means of doing something· There was no path, and they had no means of knowing where they were.use any/every means to do something (=use any method or many methods)· He will use any means to get what he wants.
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- A university professor who used his modest means to collect over 300 valuable artworks has donated them to the National Gallery.
- E-mail has become an increasingly important means of business communication.
- Education and training are the most effective means of improving the nation's economy.
- He's given up his lecturing job, but he does have private means.
- He came to power by means of a military coup in 1960.
- He had the means to pay, but he refused on principle.
- I think private schooling would be well beyond our means.
- Many tropical countries welcome people of independent means as long-term residents.
- She was required to pay a $500 fee, which appeared to be within her means.
- The best choice for elderly people with limited means is index-linked certificates.
- The Council is introducing means tests for housing tenants.
- The judge ruled that Smith had been elected by unlawful means.
- We aim to use peaceful means to bring about change.
- You should not regard the course simply as a means to an end.
- If a customer inquires about a better interest rate or a tax deferral plan, by all means make a referral.
- One of the simplest means is to buy a tally counter.
- The lord lieutenancy was originally devised by the Tudors as a means of internal security.
- The operation of rental and freehold land markets is compared to inheritance as a means of access to land.
THESAURUS
a way of doing something, especially one that is well known and often used: · You can choose whichever method of payment you prefer.· an environmentally friendly method for treating household waste
a set of actions that you use in order to do something. Way is more informal than method and is used more often in everyday English: · What’s the best way to remove wine stains?· a new way of treating the disease· There are lots of ways of cooking mushrooms.
something that you use to do something or achieve something: · Their main means of transport is their car.· E-mail is often the most convenient means of communication.· He looked around for a means of escape.· Education and training are the most efficient means of improving the nation’s economy.
a way of dealing with a particular problem or situation, especially a way that has been carefully thought about or planned: · Today’s approach to raising children is very different from 40 years ago.· I think we need to try a different approach.
a particular way of doing something, for which you need a skill that has to be learned and practised: · tips on how to improve your exam technique· More patients are surviving thanks to improved surgical techniques.
methods that you use in order to achieve what you want, especially in a game or competition: · There were complaints about police tactics used to clear demonstrators.· The team was discussing tactics for the game.
a set of carefully planned methods for achieving something that is difficult and may take a long time: · our sales strategy· a strategy to reduce the level of teenage smoking
formal a particular way of doing something: · For him, painting is just another mode of expression.· You can choose between several different modes of operation.· the most efficient mode of transportation· Withdrawing a child from class is still the preferred mode of providing extra help to that child.
Longman Language Activatorall the money that a person, company etc has · My grandmother left me all her money when she died.· The committee is meeting to discuss how the money should be spent this year.make your money (=earn all your money doing a particular type of business) · He had made his money as a butcher in Kingstown.
formal all the money that you have - especially when you are talking about whether you are able to pay for everything you need: have the means to do something: · He had the means to pay, but he refused on principle.beyond your means (=costing more than you can afford): · I think private schooling would be well beyond our means.· She's been living beyond her means (=spending more than she can really afford to), and now the debts have caught her up.within your means (=not costing more than you can afford): · She was required to pay a $500 fee, which appeared to be within her means.· Money isn't a problem. We simply live within our means (=do not spend more than we can afford to).private/independent means (=money that someone has from property, investments etc rather than earning it by working ): · He's given up his lecturing job, but he does have private means.· Many tropical countries welcome people of independent means as long-term residents.limited/modest means (=used to say that someone only has a small amount of money): · The best choice for elderly people with limited means is index-linked certificates.· A university professor who used his modest means to collect over 300 valuable artworks has donated them to the National Gallery.means test (=an official check to find out whether someone is poor enough to need money from the state): · The Council is introducing means tests for housing tenants.
all of the money and property that a company or person owns, and which they may sell or use if necessary: · On her death, she wants all her assets to go to her husband.assets of $1 billion/£300,000,000 etc: · With assets of just under $1 million, the business is still relatively small.$1billion/£300,000,000 etc in assets: · Massachusetts Financial Services manages $43 billion in assets.financial assets: · Tomorrow, the court will hear evidence relating to Simpson's financial assets.personal assets (=owned by an individual, rather than a company): · The directors' personal assets will not be at risk if the company does fold.
all the money that a person, company, organization etc has, especially when this is regularly checked so they know about any changes in it: · An accountant handles the school's finances.· She wondered if they'd ever get all their bills paid and their finances in order.family/personal finances: · An investigation into his personal finances produced no evidence of fraud· To help the family finances, she went back to work at a retail store after William was born.public/government finances: · Indeed, Lebanon's public finances and yawning trade deficit, do look depressing. · Government finances are strained to the hilt, dealing with essential services.drain somebody's finances/be a drain on somebody's finances (=to reduce someone's finances over a period of time, usually by an amount they cannot afford to lose): · Legal expenses had drained his finances, and he could no longer afford to pursue the case.· Many of the housing agencies represent a severe drain on the state's finances.
the money which you have saved, which is usually kept in a bank or some other financial institution: · Your savings are safe with the Bank of America.· I should just take the money out of my savings and pay off my credit card.· Since we retired we've been living on our savings and a small pension.life savings (=all of the money you have saved): · He had invested his life savings in the new business.retirement savings (=the money you have saved so that you have something to live on when you retire): · Break yourself of the habit of borrowing from your retirement savings.lose your savings: · Investors lost their savings, and some businessmen went bankrupt.sink your savings into something (=to spend all the money you have saved on a particular investment, plan etc): · He and his wife July sank their life savings into an unsuccessful attempt to build a marina on a reservoir in Colorado.
all the money, property, or goods that a company, organization, or country owns and that can be used to make more money or to provide services: · We have to make the best use of the resources we've got.financial/economic resources: · The government must make more human and financial resources available for AIDS research.limited/scarce resources (=used to say that the amount of money available is small): · With limited resources, the club cannot continue to function without donations from members.allocate resources (to something) (=decide how much money will be spent on particular things): · The process for allocating resources to military intelligence is severely flawed. devote resources (to something) (=to spend money on a particular thing): · Few firms devote significant resources to research and development.pool your resources (=share your money with other people, so that you can all use it): · She and I pooled our resources -- not much -- and hired a car for the weekend.
stronger expressions meaning not use this to emphasize that something is definitely not true: · She's not at all happy about the situation.· The children didn't seem to be at all frightened.· No, no, no, that's wrong. That's not what I meant at all.
formal use this when you want to say strongly that something is not true: · It is by no means certain that you'll get your money back.· It's difficult, but by no means impossible.· It's not clear by any means where the money is going to come from to fund this project.
also not a bit especially British use this to say strongly that something is not true, especially when you would expect it to be true: · You're not in the least sorry, are you?· My essay wasn't a bit like yours.· "Was she annoyed?" "Not a bit! She was delighted."fnot the least (bit): · Henry wasn't the least bit worried.
if something is in no way affected by something else, it is definitely not affected by it in any way: · This will in no way influence our original decision.· The damage is very slight and in no way reduces the value of the painting.
use this when something is completely untrue, impossible, different etc: · His arguments are not remotely convincing.· It was a stupid remark, and not remotely funny.· She didn't seem remotely interested in anything I had to say.
use this to emphasize that something is definitely not true, and if someone thinks it is true they are being a little stupid: · They only won 1-0 - hardly a great victory!· It's hardly surprising he's upset, considering the way you've treated him!· He's hardly a world chess champion - you should be able to beat him.· All these similarities could hardly be due to chance.
use this to say that someone is not good at something: · I occasionally put up a few shelves, but I'm not exactly the world's greatest handyman.
an informal expression meaning to not have the skills, qualities etc of the person or type of person that you have mentioned: · Of course, I'm no expert but that wall really looks like it's leaning over.· Stephanie knows what she's doing. She's no fool.· He's quite a bright boy I suppose, but he's no Albert Einstein.
use this to emphasize strongly that something is not possible, likely, true etc: · I can't see any use in us talking about that idea at all - it's simply not practical.· For as long as she could remember she'd just never been interested in marriage and children.
a rich person a person who is very rich, usually because they own land, property etc or because they have a family that has always been rich: · Taylor is a man of means. His family owns several apartment blocks in New York.· These were people of means who could afford to pay expensive legal fees.
a person who has a million pounds or dollars, or more: · The money to keep the hospital open was provided by a London millionaire.· I can't afford a new car just now. I'm no millionaire, you know.
a person who has many millions of pounds or dollars: · Louis Berg is a multi-millionaire who made his money in the newspaper business.
a rich and powerful person in a particular industry: · Foundations set up by magnates such as Carnegie and Rockefeller provided most of the funding for the arts in the US.steel/oil/shipping etc magnate: · She married a Texan oil magnate.· the property magnate who owns the Empire State Building
someone who makes a lot of money from a particular industry or business - use this about people who you think do not deserve to earn so much because they do not run their industry well, do not provide a good service etc: · They do not resent the city fat cats, but believe top businessmen deserve success.· Why should those fat cats get rich through our efforts?
informal use this when you are saying in a humorous way that someone has a lot of money: · Nowadays, if you're not a moneybags, some places don't want to have anything to do with you.
all the people who are rich in a particular country, society etc - use this especially when you are comparing them with people who are poor: · Under this government the rich seem to have got richer and the poor poorer.· Democracy gave the poor, as well as the rich, a part to play in governing the city.the rich and famous: · a tour around the Hollywood homes of the rich and famous
people who are rich, especially through owning land, property, or valuable possessions over a long period of time, who have a lot of power or influence in society: · Private health care should not be only for the wealthy.· The hotel stood by a lake, where the wealthy went to go fishing or pigeon shooting.
rich people and poor people - use this expression when you are comparing both groups: · The widening gap between the haves and the have nots is becoming very noticeable in New York.
to understand a situation, idea, or what someone is telling you · She spoke slowly and clearly so that everyone could understand.· I didn't understand the teacher's instructions.· When he's old enough to understand, we'll tell him he's adopted.understand what/why/how etc · Ben asked a few questions to make sure he understood what to do.· You don't need to understand how a computer works to use it.understand that · The witness said he understood that he was swearing to give true and correct information.easy/difficult to understand · Computer manuals should be written in a way that is easy to understand.understand perfectly (=understand completely) · Don't worry. I understand perfectly.fully understand (=understand completely) · Doctors still do not fully understand the process by which the disease is transmitted.
to understand what someone is telling you, especially if they have not expressed it very clearly: · I don't think your audience is going to know what you mean by this.you know what I mean? (=say this to check that someone understands you): · He seems really sad, you know what I mean?I know what you mean (=say this to show that you understand): · "It's a thing you hold pieces of wood in when you're doing woodwork." "Oh, I know what you mean -- a vice."
especially spoken to understand the truth about a situation, or understand the reasons for something: see what somebody means: · Try it for yourself, and you'll see what I mean.see why/how/what etc: · I can see why people don't like him.I see (=say this when you understand what someone has told you): · "It goes in the red box, here." "Oh, I see."you see (=say this when you are explaining something): · Well, you see, he's not really ready to read a book this difficult.see (that): · Well, I can see that the logic is somehow wrong, but I don't know why exactly.see any reason: · Can you see any reason why it shouldn't work?see the point (=understand why something is important): · At fourteen, he couldn't see the point of staying in school.see somebody's point (=understand the main idea or importance of what someone is saying): · I didn't like his attitude, but I could see his point.see the joke British (=understand why something is funny): · He's just one of those people who never seem to see the joke.
spoken to understand what someone says, what is happening, or why or how something happens: get it: · "Do you understand?" "Yeah, we've got it," one of the drivers replied.· Barbara Howell and her husband, Kenneth (Barbie and Ken, get it?) run a bed-and-breakfast inn.I don't get it: · Why did you turn down such a fantastic job? I don't get it.get a/the joke (=understand why something is funny): · John told me one of his stupid jokes, and it took me about five minutes to get it.get the point (=understand the main idea or importance of something): · I don't think you get the point. Legally, you must give us this information.get the idea: · The students should get the idea that this is a complex issue, with no easy answers.get what/why/how etc: · I just couldn't get what he meant.
formal to understand something that is complicated or difficult to understand: · Take the time to read, comprehend, and evaluate the report.· God cannot truly be seen or comprehended by the human mind.fully comprehend (=understand something completely): · The significance of the disappearance of the buffalo and the passenger pigeon was not fully comprehended until much later.
to fully understand a fact or an idea, especially one that it is important or difficult to understand: · Obviously, she had barely grasped the subject.· Science lessons should be taught in a way that makes the material easier to grasp.hard to grasp: · Fame has come suddenly, and Peyton is finding it hard to grasp.grasp that: · The army had failed to grasp that their mission was to protect the navy's ships, not vice versa.
to understand something that is not clear or easy to understand, especially by spending time thinking about it: · Police are trying to make sense of a bizarre note left by the murderer.· There is so much information that it is difficult to make sense of it all.
informal to understand what someone is telling you or what they want you to do, especially after they have told you several times: · Even the Democrats got the message: voters are concerned about taxes.get the message that: · He doesn't seem to get the message that he's not welcome here.
spoken to understand a situation or arrangement, especially one that someone is explaining to you: · I get the picture. You want me to say you were at my house last night.· We don't want any trouble tonight. Do you get the picture?
British informal to understand something that is difficult or complicated: · I just couldn't get my head round geometry at school.
the method you use to achieve something a method, system, machine etc that you use to do something or achieve something: · We aim to use peaceful means to bring about change.means of doing something: · Education and training are the most effective means of improving the nation's economy.by means of something (=using a particular method or system): · He came to power by means of a military coup in 1960.by peaceful/political/unlawful etc means: · The judge ruled that Smith had been elected by unlawful means.means of communication/transport/transportation: · E-mail has become an increasingly important means of business communication.means to an end (=something that you do only as a way of achieving something else): · You should not regard the course simply as a means to an end.
a particular method or system that you use to get a result, especially in business or politics: · Pictures of fleeing refugees were used as an effective propaganda tool against the Communists.tool of: · Interest rates are one of the Finance Minister's main tools of economic policy.tool for (doing) something: · Dance and aerobics classes are a useful tool for encouraging girls back to school P.E. lessons.
a carefully planned way of trying to get what you want: · He's threatening to sue us? That's a tactic he's used before.· Giving out criticism rather than praise is a tactic that rarely works in the workplace.delaying tactic (=something you do to gain more time for yourself): · The question was just a delaying tactic to stop her leaving the room.
plural media formal a physical or electronic method used for giving people information, for example the telephone, television, newspapers etc: · The wide variety of electronic media available on the Internet.medium for (doing) something: · DVDs have quickly become an extremely popular medium for film viewing.
written something you use as a way of expressing your ideas, communicating something to people, or achieving what you want: vehicle for (doing) something: · the use of TV soap operas as a vehicle for spreading public information· The secret ballot was an important vehicle for freer elections.
a way of achieving something - use this especially when there are several different ways and you are trying to find the best one or the only one that is really possible: · We explored every possible avenue, but still couldn't come up with a solution.
the way in which something is done use this to say or ask the way that someone does something: · How do you get your CD player to work?· We don't know how she managed to escape.how to do something: · My dad's teaching me how to use email.· She told me how to get to the Johnsons' house.
spoken in this way - say this when you are showing someone the way to do something: · You have to fold the corners back like this.something like this: · The program works something like this.
if you do something somehow , you do it by using any method that is available: · There's a bus strike, but I'm sure Ian will get here somehow.· The newspaper had somehow got hold of some secret government papers.somehow or other: · I'll find out her address somehow or other.
using a particular method: by doing something: · They got the information by bribing officials.· She earns a living by selling insurance.
using a particular method, tool, object etc: · FBI officers recorded the conversation by means of a tiny bug hidden in the phone.· She paid for the goods by means of a stolen credit card.
a clever or dishonest way of getting what you want a clever way of gaining an advantage, for example by making people feel concerned about you or making them feel grateful towards you: · The religious element of their election campaign was a cynical ploy.ploy to do something: · He's not really ill, it's just a ploy to make us feel sorry for him.
something that is intended to achieve a particular aim, especially an aim that is slightly dishonest or unacceptable: device to do something: · He used every device possible to prevent inspectors from entering the premises.· Commissions and inquiries are little more than a device to allow politicians to put off taking decisions.
clever ways of getting an advantage, especially by doing something that is unusual or secret: ways and means of doing something: · Dealers have ways and means of making people smuggle drugs for them.
when someone asks you for permission to do something spoken · "Is it all right if I use this computer?" "Yes, that's fine."· "Do you have a pen I can borrow?" "Yes, what color do you want?"· I asked her if I could come too, and she said yes.
spoken say this when you agree to give permission but you are not completely happy about it: · "Mum, can I borrow your car for an hour?" "OK, but don't be any longer than that."· Ed asked if he could stay over at Matt's house so I said okay.
spoken informal especially American · "Can I call you this evening?'' "Sure. I'll be home about seven thirty.''· "Do you have a photo of the baby I can see?" "Sure," said Maddy, pulling out her wallet.
spoken use this to say clearly and definitely that you are very willing to give your permission for something: · "Do you think I could borrow some money?" "Of course. How much do you need?"of course you can/we will etc: · "Will we be able to go to Disney World?" "Of course we will, that's why we're here."
spoken say this especially when you are being polite to someone in a formal situation: · "Can I change the date of my return flight to London?" "Certainly, which date would you prefer?"· "I'd like to use the hotel sauna, please.'' "Certainly, Madam. It's down the corridor on the left.''
spoken say this when someone asks your permission to use something that belongs to you, or asks to do something that affects you in some way: · "Is it OK if I smoke?'' "Sure, go ahead.''· "Do you mind if I use your phone?" "Not at all - go ahead."
spoken formal say this to show that you are very willing to give permission: · "Do you think I could stay at your house for a few days?'' "By all means, but you may have to sleep on the floor.''
spoken say this to show that you are very willing to give permission, and it is not at all inconvenient for you: · "Would it be all right if I leave work a bit early tomorrow? I've got a dentist's appointment." "No problem - thanks for letting me know."
WORD SETSbonus, noundanger money, noundirect deposit, noundouble time, nounearnings, nounincrement, nounindex-linked, adjectiveliving wage, nounlow-paid, adjectivemeans, nounovertime, nounpay, verbpay, nounpaycheque, nounpayday, nounPAYE, nounpay packet, nounpay rise, nounpayroll, nounpayslip, nounper diem, nounperformance-related pay, nounraise, nounredundancy pay, nounrise, nounsalaried, adjectivesalary, nounsub, nounsub, verbsuperannuation, nounsuperannuation scheme, nountake-home pay, nounwage, nounwage-earner, nounwage-packet, nounweighting, nounwell-paid, adjective
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYadjectives fingerprinting as a means of identification Fishing is the main source of livelihood for many people in the area. research into liquid hydrogen as a means of propulsion People need to get out of their cars and use other modes of transportation.
· Speed bumps are an effective means of stopping cars from going too fast.
· Local radio is a useful means of advertising.
· Then, horses and carts were the only means of transport available.
· Is this really the best means of achieving our goal?
· Surveys are an important means of gathering information.
· Their protests will continue, but only by legal means.
· He was accused of attempting to overthrow the government using unlawful means.
· Anyone trying to use unfair means in an examination will be reported to the University.
phrases British English, a means of transportation American English (=a way of travelling, for example using a car, bus, bicycle etc)· The tram is an efficient means of transport.
(=a way of talking to someone, for example by phone, writing etc)· Newspapers are still an important means of communication.
(=a way of expressing your feelings or opinions)· Music and art are important means of expression.
(=an official document that shows who you are)· Do you have any means of identification?
(=factories and equipment used for producing goods – used especially in Marxism)· the class of people which owns the means of production
(=the result you achieve is more important than the way you do it)· It’s too bad if people get hurt - the end justifies the means.
(=something you do only to achieve a result, not because you want to do it or because it is important)· Many of the students saw the course as a means to an end: a way of getting a good job.
(=using unfair methods if necessary)· They were determined to achieve victory, by fair means or foul.
verbs· There was no path, and they had no means of knowing where they were.
(=use any method or many methods)· He will use any means to get what he wants.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES (=not definite)· Victory was by no means certain for Smith.
(=be very unclear)· The directions she gave me were far from clear.
(=a way of exchanging information)· There were no roads and no means of communication with the people in the mountains.
(=think of a way)· We must devise a means of transport that does not pollute the atmosphere.
· Is reducing the speed limit an effective means of reducing accidents?
· The tram is a very efficient means of transport.
(=used to say that something bad is acceptable, if it achieves a good result)· Their defence, that the end justifies the means, is not acceptable.
(=a way of achieving what you want)· To Joe, work was a means to an end, nothing more.
(=a way of escaping)· She searched in vain for a means of escape.
(=a way of forgetting about a bad situation)· Drugs and alcohol are their only means of escape.
· Art is not just a means of expression, it is also a means of communication.
fingerprinting as a means of identification Fishing is the main source of livelihood for many people in the area.· We must redistribute power in this country by peaceful means.
research into liquid hydrogen as a means of propulsion· Horses and carts were the only means of transport.
People need to get out of their cars and use other modes of transportation.· I find the train a more comfortable mode of travel.
· We are discussing ways and means of bringing jobs to our area.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· Robert waved briefly, ducked, and looked for an alternative means of escape.· Once you have a clue about the problem, try to get help via alternative means.· We may need to find alternative means achieve some end.· In both cases, Gingrich turned to charitable organizations as an alternative means of financing the projects.· I wonder if she has thought of alternative means of transport?· Ramsey-optimal prices are not concerned with alternative means of supply: hence they are in principle susceptible to competitive entry.· It is possible to provide flexibility by alternative means using a group of workers who understand their role from the outset.· They are alternative means of holding wealth.
· This can often provide the most effective and speedy means of resolving a dispute.· This was not just a very effective means to an end: it was an end in itself-and a gamble.· Endoscopic injection, however, is still the most convenient and cost effective means for the arrest of peptic ulcer haemorrhage.· More effective means had to be devised to enforce the Forest law to protect vert and venison, and to raise revenue.· Vitamin supplements, which cost just a few cents a dose, are a highly effective means of prevention.· We appear to be a long way from finding effective means of primary prevention of attempted suicide.· Letter-writing has often been an effective means of direction and Paul made the most of it.
· Temporary leaflet only means of supplying essential information.· For them, cable from a local receiving station would be the only possible means of getting the programmes.· The only means of communication was sign language.· But nowhere was any one principle of inheritance applied exclusively, and nowhere was inheritance the only means of transferring land rights.· Dope was my only means of escape.· The discipline is the only means by which these forces are consumed and thus destroyed.· The making of a takeover offer is not the only means of obtaining control of a company.· However, physical fighting is not the only means by which males compete with each other.
· Although such mixtures can not be separated by fractional distillation, they can be separated by other means.· The government's response was to use the Freikorps and other repressive means to assert its authority.· To these ends, other means have been developed over the years, most assiduously in the three Northern Tier states.· The answer to this question was that they had other means of transport.· The exploration of literary texts is not an elitist activity, distinct from the study of other means of communication.· It's how they got supplies in, among other means.· Perhaps they have had an experience of déjàvu which they can not explain by any other means.· In 66 cases there was a statistically significant effect which could not be explained by any other means.
VERB· Obviously, there is room for debate about the means of achieving those objectives and how accommodating our criteria should be.· The lawyer is responsible for working with the client to decide the best means to achieve those objectives.· We may need to find alternative means achieve some end.· Where the consensus broke down was over the means used to achieve the goals.· That done, we can begin to address ourselves to identifying the right technical and political means for achieving them.· The quest for quality is continuing, but the best means of achieving it are debatable.· It will also give guidance on means of achieving fair distribution of work within chambers.· And for the first time, they had the means to achieve it.
· Whereas boys may become alienated from the means of learning, girls would be alienated more swiftly by the content of learning.· Human experience becomes the means to comprehend and express our awareness of the sacred.· For, as before, the credit instruments soon became used as means of exchange.· The photographic camera thus became the foremost means for producing or recording such images.· Creating rapport then becomes a means by which to maximise the potential for the extraction of information from interviewees.· Under Johnwick, rehabilitation became the means whereby eligible patients were encouraged to leave voluntarily.· Yet, in Dickinson's hands, ambiguity becomes the means of survival.· It has become a central means by which Congress secures the accountability of executive and independent agencies.
· Opposition would certainly find other means of expressing itself.· Daedalus himself, the wily artisan who wrought the whole thing, could find no means to pierce its mystery from within.· Next, find out the best means of getting there.· First Bank officials, however, contend they will find other means to bolster earnings and maintain their projections.· Could we not find out some means?· The national government seemingly could find no constitutional means to intercede to protect its black citizens.· With this growing experience he has found a means to fight more effectively for social justice and the needs of his fellow-workers.· One action is to meet with school staff to find the means to help Mike at school.
· Culturing microorganisms offers a highly efficient means of producing high-protein food supplements for a hungry world of the future.· The weakness of the enemy offers the revolution fuller means of recovery from temporary defeats than is the case in imperialist countries.· They offer no other means of solving this problem and imply that social inequality is an inevitable feature of human society.· It is worth reiterating here the point that the media offer a means of influencing your target audiences.· The clear distinction between the old and modern lacquers also offers hope of a means of identifying fakes.· It is now suggested that the proposed Royal Infirmary hospital trust offers the best means of taking the plan forward.· For example a potential 3,000 house settlement between Cambridge and Ely offers the best means to provide more housing.· This provides regular income from subscriptions and offers a means of restricting usage if necessary.
· Freud acknowledges the unconscious and provides a means of exploring it and of living with it.· Present-value calculations provide a simple means of quantifying this time value of money by using the reciprocal of the compound interest formula.· This culture provides both the means and the incentives for discovering and remedying errors.· In addition the diversity of cell surface markers provides a means of privacy and defense.· In either application, the device is intended to provide a means of systematically ordering the subdivisions of a given number.· In other words, cyberspace provides a means for individual expression that would not be appropriate or acceptable in real life.· The honours system provides governments with a means of distributing favours at no cost.· It provides a means of improving performance at a minimal cost.
· It is used as a means of temporary escape from circumstances that the individual finds unbearable.· All agreed that the United States had to stand up to the aggressors from the north, using whatever means were necessary.· It denies the appropriateness of using any political means to pursue such ends.· Sometimes people have learning problems and they use visual means to help them understand.· It could also be used as a means of overcoming excessively long waiting lists in some areas.· You must use whatever means are available to you and avoid wasting time on those that are not.· Costs would be limited by keeping the offer open only until 1995 and by using a means test.· One might use morphological rather than syntactic means.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► by all means!PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► by fair means or foul► woman/man etc of independent means► this means war
1method [countable] a way of doing or achieving somethingmeans of- Technology is not a magic wand, but only a means to an end.
- Admittedly, policy is important: but it is only a means to an end.
- All in all, everything I did was a means to an end -- my own.
- Don't think of computers as a daunting modern technology; they're only a means to an end.
- Protection is vital: but as a means to an end, not as an end in itself.
- Showbiz was a means to an end.
- The separation into sequential categories of response is merely a means to an end.
- The young man was merely a means to an end and, in both cases, that end had now been served.
- These should be viewed as a means to an end, rather than as ends in themselves.
- It would be foolish to nationalize all the means of production.
- A class in itself is simply a social group whose members share the same relationship to the means of production.
- But it did not own the means of production.
- Classes did not exist since all members of society shared the same relationship to the means of production.
- Finally, the owner-worker cleavage involves questions of labour exploitation and control over the means of production.
- Since managers are in control, they effectively own the means of production.
- The bourgeoisie class own the means of production, the proletariat do not.
- The dominant class, the capitalists, own and control the means of production and thereby exploit the subordinate working class.
- The power of the ruling class therefore stems from its ownership and control of the means of production.
- It's difficult, but by no means impossible.
- It's not clear by any means where the money is going to come from to fund this project.
- It is by no means certain that you'll get your money back.
- Critics were silenced by means of torture and unfair trials.
- Funds for economic development were provided by means of sterling bond issues in the London capital market.
- Initially this will be done by means of markers or cones and we will explain the new arrangements to the children.
- Let us briefly consider how you might analyze this claim by means of the scientific method.
- Maximilian was killed by means of a carbonic acid injection.
- Or gas before he backed himself into a corner and tried to escape by means of the faro table.
- Other ethnographic techniques Ethnographic research is not carried out only by means of participant observation and unstructured interviewing.
- Word of the Barrio barred owl spread among birders by means of an efficient and long established telephone grapevine.
- You know, it isn't all sweetness and light here, not by any manner of means.
For most people, the car is still their main means of transport. The only means of communication was sign language. The window was our only means of escape. Do you have any means of identification? art as a means of expression Homework should not be used as a means of controlling children. I had no means of telling him I would be late. Brian was prepared to use any means to get what he wanted. They had entered the country by unlawful means. the means by which performance is assessed► see thesaurus at method2money [plural] the money or income that you havehave the means to do something I don’t have the means to support a family. Paying for your children to go to a private school is beyond the means of most people (=too expensive for most people). Try to live within your means (=only spending what you can afford). His father was a man of means (=a rich man).3by all means! spoken used to mean ‘of course’ when politely allowing someone to do something or agreeing with a suggestion: ‘Can I bring Alan?’ ‘By all means!’4by 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.5by means of something formal using a particular method or system: The blocks are raised by means of pulleys.6a means to an end something that you do only to achieve a result, not because you want to do it or because it is important: For Geoff, the job was simply a means to an end.7the means of production the material, tools, and equipment that are used in the production of goods → ways and means at way1(1)COLLOCATIONSadjectivesan effective/efficient means· Speed bumps are an effective means of stopping cars from going too fast.a useful means· Local radio is a useful means of advertising.the only means· Then, horses and carts were the only means of transport available.the best means· Is this really the best means of achieving our goal?an important means· Surveys are an important means of gathering information.lawful/legal means· Their protests will continue, but only by legal means.unlawful/illegal means· He was accused of attempting to overthrow the government using unlawful means.unfair means· Anyone trying to use unfair means in an examination will be reported to the University.phrasesa means of transport British English, a means of transportation American English (=a way of travelling, for example using a car, bus, bicycle etc)· The tram is an efficient means of transport.a means of communication (=a way of talking to someone, for example by phone, writing etc)· Newspapers are still an important means of communication.a means of expression (=a way of expressing your feelings or opinions)· Music and art are important means of expression.a means of identification (=an official document that shows who you are)· Do you have any means of identification?the means of production (=factories and equipment used for producing goods – used especially in Marxism)· the class of people which owns the means of productionthe end justifies the means (=the result you achieve is more important than the way you do it)· It’s too bad if people get hurt - the end justifies the means.a means to an end (=something you do only to achieve a result, not because you want to do it or because it is important)· Many of the students saw the course as a means to an end: a way of getting a good job.(whether) by fair means or foul (=using unfair methods if necessary)· They were determined to achieve victory, by fair means or foul.verbshave no/any/some means of doing something· There was no path, and they had no means of knowing where they were.use any/every means to do something (=use any method or many methods)· He will use any means to get what he wants.