by means of — using something as a way of achieving or doing something
Part of speech: PREPOSITION
Definition: using something as a way of achieving or doing something
Pronunciation (IPA): /baɪ miːnz əv/
Example Sentences
- The cat escaped by means of the open window.
- He became rich by means of selling funny cat videos online.
- Students learn English by means of various apps and games.
by means of
PREPOSITION[/baɪ miːnz əv/]
using something as a way of achieving or doing something
He crossed the wide river by means of a small wooden raft.
By means of leaving their screens, these teens find the real world!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'means' derives from Latin 'medianus' (middle, intermediate), which evolved to denote 'method' or 'instrument.' The prepositional phrase 'by means of' combines 'by' (indicating agency or manner) with 'means' and 'of' to express 'through the agency or method of.'
Breakdown
by (preposition indicating agency/manner) + means (from Latin medianus, method/instrument) + of (preposition indicating relation/possession), forming a prepositional phrase expressing instrumental causation.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The cat escaped by means of the open window.”
“He became rich by means of selling funny cat videos online.”
“Students learn English by means of various apps and games.”
“The spy sent secret messages by means of invisible ink made from lemon juice.”
📚Related Words
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