Word of the Day: Means
The noun “means” is quite different from the adjective, “mean,” or the verb “mean.” As a noun, “means” is very similar to income or method. This word always has an “s.” There is no singular form for it.
The sentences below use “means” to describe the way in which a person makes money:
- They now have the means necessary to take a lot of vacations.
- Rob no longer has the means required to maintain his lifestyle.
- It’s a good idea to try to live within your means.
- If you don’t live within your means, you might find yourself in financial trouble.
- People who lack* the means for taking care of themselves can get help from the government.
You can also use “means” when describing a method for transportation or as a way of getting something done:
- Most people in the United States rely on a car as their means of transportation.
- Rudy’s car is his only means for getting to work.
- In big cities, public transit is a reliable means of transportation.
- Carla defended herself for lying on her resume saying that she needed to get a job by any means necessary.
- Do the ends justify the means? (Is it okay to behave badly if the result is good?)
* lack: to not have something
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with M page to see the list of all words starting with letter M. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.
