means

1. N-COUNT A means of doing something is a method, instrument, or process which can be used to do it. Means is both the singular and the plural form for this use. 方法; 手段; 过程

The move is a means to fight crime. 这个行动是打击犯罪的一种手段。

The army had perfected the use of terror as a means of controlling the population. 军队已经能很好地利用恐怖手段来控制这里的人们。

2. N-PLURAL You can refer to the money that someone has as their means. 财富[正式]

...a person of means. …一个富有的人。

3. PHRASE If you do something by means of a particular method, instrument, or process, you do it using that method, instrument, or process. 通过 (方法、手段或过程)

This is a two-year course taught by means of lectures and seminars. 这是一门通过讲座和研讨会形式讲授的两年制课程。

4. CONVENTION You can say "by all means" to tell someone that you are very willing to allow them to do something. 当然可以[套语]

"Can I come and have a look at your house?"—"Yes, by all means."

“我能过来看看你的房子吗？”—“可以，当然可以。”