What does 'means' mean?

[Nicky_K]

There is the word 'means' as a noun. Also, it's supposed to be a singular something. What is it? thanx

 

[Raymott]

There is the word 'means' as a noun. Also, it's supposed to be a singular something. What is it? thanx

It depends. Do you have some context? A dictionary is generally good for looking up single words like this.

 

[Nicky_K]

It depends. Do you have some context? A dictionary is generally good for looking up single words like this.

Thank you. It's the song from 'Wizards Of Waverly Place'. I highlighted both usages of the word 'means' in red

Well, you know everything's gonna be a breeze
That the end will no doubt justify the means
You could fix any problem at the slightest ease
Yes please

Well, you might find out, it'll go to your head
When you write a report on a book you never read
With the snap of your fingers you can make your bed
That's what I said

Everything is not what it seems
When you can get all you wanted in your wildest dreams
You might run into trouble if you go to extremes
Because everything is not what it seems

Everything is not what it seems
When you can have what you want by the simplest of means
Be careful not to mess with the balance of things
Because everything is not what it seems

 

[Raymott]

Thank you. It's the song from 'Wizards Of Waverly Place'. I highlighted both usages of the word 'means' in red

Well, you know everything's gonna be a breeze
That the end will no doubt justify the means
You could fix any problem at the slightest ease
Yes please

Well, you might find out, it'll go to your head
When you write a report on a book you never read
With the snap of your fingers you can make your bed
That's what I said

Everything is not what it seems
When you can get all you wanted in your wildest dreams
You might run into trouble if you go to extremes
Because everything is not what it seems

Everything is not what it seems
When you can have what you want by the simplest of means
Be careful not to mess with the balance of things
Because everything is not what it seems

Both examples mean 1. - methods

means [miːnz]n1. (functioning as singular or plural) the medium, method, or instrument used to obtain a result or achieve an end a means of communication
2. (functioning as plural) resources or income
3. (functioning as plural) considerable wealth or income a man of means
means - definition of means by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.

 

[Shimaa Abd Elwahab]

Means (ethics) is something of instrumental value in order to achieve an end.

Means (law) is an aspect of a crime needed to convince a jury of guilt in a criminal proceeding.

 

[BobSmith]

Means (ethics) is something of instrumental value in order to achieve an end.

Means (law) is an aspect of a crime needed to convince a jury of guilt in a criminal proceeding.

:shock:

 

[SoothingDave]

Thank you. It's the song from 'Wizards Of Waverly Place'. I highlighted both usages of the word 'means' in red

Well, you know everything's gonna be a breeze
That the end will no doubt justify the means
You could fix any problem at the slightest ease
Yes please

Well, you might find out, it'll go to your head
When you write a report on a book you never read
With the snap of your fingers you can make your bed
That's what I said

Everything is not what it seems
When you can get all you wanted in your wildest dreams
You might run into trouble if you go to extremes
Because everything is not what it seems

Everything is not what it seems
When you can have what you want by the simplest of means
Be careful not to mess with the balance of things
Because everything is not what it seems

I've heard this theme song numerous times. I must point out the obvious error. They say that "Everything is not what it seems" when they mean "Not everything is what it seems."