means在作“方法,手段”解时是单数名词,可用不定冠词a修饰,当其用作主语时,谓语动词可用单数形式,也可用复数形式,而在表示“钱财”时,其谓语动词则要用复数形式。

a means to an end
用以达到目的的方法thing or action not important in itself but as a way of achieving sth
He regarded his marriage merely as a means to an end.他仅把结婚当作达到目的的手段。

by all means
1.当然可以certainly
“Shall I ask him to come in?”“By all means.”“我请他进来好吗?”“当然可以。”
2.一定,务必must
Try by all means to save the dying.一定要尽力抢救那个垂危的病人。

by means of
用,依靠using sth; with the help of sth
The water may be carried by means of a pipe.水可以用管子输送。
I escaped by means of a secret tunnel.我通过一条秘密通道逃跑了。

by no means
绝不,一点也不not at all
This by no means the first time you have been late.这绝不是你第一次迟到了。
She is by no means stupid.她一点儿也不笨。

by some means or other
用某种方法by a certain way
We must get it done by some means or other.我们总得想办法把它干完。

Scientists are working to devise a means of storing this type of power.科学家们正在为发明一种能储存这种动力的方法而工作。
The quickest means of travel is by plane.最快的交通工具是飞机。
All possible means have been tried.一切办法都试过了。
Does the end always justify the means?只要目的正确,是否就可以不择手段?
His means permit him to live comfortably.他的财富使他能过上舒适的生活。
He lives above his means.他过着超过自己收入的阔气生活。

means, resources, riches, wealth
参见resource条。

［同义词］   manner, money, riches, way, wealth
［词源］＜拉丁语medianus(方法,手段)