noun
1 method of doing sth
ADJECTIVE
▪ appropriate , convenient , effective , efficient , reliable , useful
▪
an effective ~ of mass communication
▪ best , preferred
▪
Gold has been the preferred ~ of exchange for centuries.
▪ necessary , possible , practicable ( BrE )
▪
We will use every possible ~ to achieve our objective.
▪ alternate ( AmE ), alternative , other
▪
War is famously ‘the continuation of policy by other means’.
▪ primary , principal
▪
Painting had become his primary ~ of self-expression.
▪ only , sole
▪
Oil lamps were the sole ~ of illumination.
▪ conventional , traditional
▪ legal , legitimate
▪ non-violent , peaceful
▪ military
▪ electronic , technical
▪
Infringement of copyright includes distribution by electronic ~.
VERB + MEANS
▪ have
▪
We have no ~ of knowing how they will react.
▪ use
▪ offer (sb) , provide (sb with)
▪
My English teacher provided me with the ~ to enjoy reading poetry.
▪ develop , devise
▪
Can you devise a ~ of overcoming the problem?
PREPOSITION
▪ by ~ (of)
▪
The stone was lifted by ~ of a rope and pulley.
▪ through ~
▪
They cannot achieve their goal through legal ~.
▪ ~ for
▪
the ~ for achieving happiness
▪ ~ of
▪
a ~ of access/communication/transport
▪
a ~ of getting what you want
PHRASES
▪ the end justifies the ~
▪
In the case of torture, the end can never justify the ~.
▪ a ~ to an end
▪
He saw his education merely as a ~ to an end.
▪ by any ~ necessary , by fair ~ or foul
▪ by no ~/not by any ~ (= not at all) , ways and ~
▪
There are ways and ~ of raising money.
2 money/wealth
ADJECTIVE
▪ independent , private
▪
She must have independent ~ to live in such style.
▪ limited , little , moderate , modest , slender
▪ visible
▪
people who lack visible ~ of support
VERB + MEANS
▪ have
▪ lack
MEANS + NOUN
▪ test
▪
Eligibility for the benefit was determined by a ~ test.
PREPOSITION
▪ according to your ~ (= according to what you can afford)
▪ beyond your ~
▪
Private school fees are beyond the ~ of most people (= more than they can afford) .
▪ within your ~ (= according to what you can afford)
▪
She finds it difficult to live within her ~.
PHRASES
▪ a man/woman of ~ (= a rich man/woman)