B2nounmoneysociety
US/miːnz/
UK/miːnz/
a method or way of doing something, or the money someone has to live on
In context
Email is now the main means of communication in most offices.
He lives well beyond his means and owes a lot of money.
The company found a means of cutting costs without losing staff.
Words that go with means
noun + preposition
- means of transportBicycles are a cheap means of transport.
- means of communicationLetters were once the only means of communication.
- beyond your meansTry not to live beyond your means.
- by means ofThe box was opened by means of a small key.
- means to an endFor him, the job is just a means to an end.
- the means toShe does not have the means to buy a house.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
a means of transportsCorrect: a means of transport
Incorrect:
These means is useful.Correct: These means are useful.