a means to an end

NOUN

[/ə ˈmiːnz tu ən ˈend/]

something that you do only to achieve a particular result, not because you want to do it or enjoy it

💡 Concept

doing something unpleasant only to achieve a particular result, not because you want to do it or enjoy it

🎵 Rhyme

Sometimes you spend as a means to an end

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ə ˈmiːnz tu ən ˈend/

🇬🇧 UK/ə ˈmiːnz tu ən ˈend/

🌳Etymology

🎵Rhyme

endtrendspendbend

end

trend

spend

bend

🔗Collocations

just a means to an end

use as a means to an end

view as a means to an end

treat as a means to an end

consider a means to an end

📝Examples

“For many students, high school is just a means to an end - getting into college.”

“He doesn't enjoy networking events, but they're a means to an end for growing his business.”

😄 Fun example

“Washing dishes is a means to an end - I just want clean plates for dinner!”

“Learning to drive was purely a means to an end for him - he wanted independence.”

📚Related Words

Synonyms

toolmethodinstrumentvehiclepathway

Antonyms

end goalfinal purposeultimate aim

objectivepurposegoaltargetachievement

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a means to an end — something that you do only to achieve a particular result, not because you want to do it or enjoy it

Example Sentences