a means of — a method, way, or instrument used to achieve a particular result or purpose
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a method, way, or instrument used to achieve a particular result or purpose
Pronunciation (IPA): /ə miːnz əv/
Example Sentences
- For many teenagers, smartphones are the main means of communication with friends.
- When my car broke down, my legs became my only means of transportation for a week.
- The company is looking for a cheaper means of production to increase profit.
a means of
NOUN[/ə miːnz əv/]
a method, way, or instrument used to achieve a particular result or purpose
A rope ladder is a means of escape from the burning tower window.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'means' derives from Latin 'medianus' (middle, intermediate), which originally described something positioned between two points. The semantic evolution reflects the conceptual bridge between oneself and a goal: what stands in the middle becomes the instrument or method to reach an endpoint.
Breakdown
medianus (Latin: middle, intermediate) → Old French meien → Middle English mene (means, instrument) → Modern English means. The root medianus breaks down as med- (middle) + -anus (adjectival suffix).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“For many teenagers, smartphones are the main means of communication with friends.”
“When my car broke down, my legs became my only means of transportation for a week.”
“The company is looking for a cheaper means of production to increase profit.”
“Without a passport, you have no means of proving your identity at the airport.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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