n. 1 average, middle, norm, (happy) medium We are attempting to achieve the mean between the two extremes 2 by all means. a absolutely, definitely, certainly, surely, assuredly, of course, positively By all means, do tell us what you think is wrong b in any event, at all events, no matter what, without fail, at any cost, in any case By all means, you must do what you think is right 3 by means of. by dint of, via, through, by way of, with the help or aid of, employing, using, utilizing She gained access to her victims by means of the telephone directory We entered by means of the front door. 4 means. a instrument, agency, method, process, technique, mode, manner, way(s), approach, course, procedure, avenue, medium, vehicle If you can find the means, then get the job done at once b resources, funds, money, wherewithal, capital, finances, backing, support I wanted to go to Australia to see my brother, but I simply didn't have the means c substance, wealth, property, position, financial stability She is a woman of considerable means 5 by no means. by no manner of means, in no way, not at all, definitely or absolutely not, on no account, not conceivably, not in one's wildest dreams or fantasies, not by any stretch of the imagination, Colloq no way, US no way José This is sometimes but by no means always the case He is by no means a great artist.
adj. 6 middle, centre, intermediate, medial, medium, median, average, middling The mean temperature for the year has increased