October 28, 2011 - 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.

These examples show how to use "means" when describing 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 getting something done:

• 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

Word of the Day for October 27, 2011: necessary

Word of the Day: August 2011

Word of the Day: July 2011