1. Method or way: This is the most common meaning of "means." It refers to the method, process, or tool used to achieve a particular outcome.
* Example: "What are the best means of transportation to get to the airport?"
* Example: "She used all the means at her disposal to get her point across."
2. Resources or wealth: "Means" can also refer to the resources or wealth someone possesses. This is often used in the phrase "means of subsistence," which means the money or resources needed to survive.
* Example: "He came from humble means."
* Example: "The family was struggling to make ends meet, having very limited means."
3. Average: "Means" can also be used as a noun to refer to the average or central value of a set of data.
* Example: "The mean of these numbers is 10."
* Example: "The mean temperature for this month is 25 degrees Celsius."
4. Intends or aims to: This is a less common usage, usually found in more formal or literary contexts.
* Example: "The author means to show the absurdity of war through this character."
* Example: "The speaker means to inspire the audience with his words."
To understand the meaning of "means" in a specific context, pay attention to the words around it and the overall sentence structure.