means
n. C / Un. a method, tool, or way of doing something to reach a goal. It can also refer to the money or resources you have available to pay for things.
n. a method, instrument, or process used to achieve a specific end; alternatively, the financial resources or wealth at one's disposal. Plural in form but often treated as singular when referring to a specific method.
The internet is a powerful means of communication.
They lacked the financial means to purchase a home in the city center without a significant loan.
While the ends are often used to justify the means in political theory, ethical frameworks usually demand that the methods employed remain as moral as the intended outcome.
When referring to a method, it is often treated as singular ('a means to an end'). When referring to wealth or resources, it is always plural and takes a plural verb.
a mean of transporta means of transportThe word 'means' must include the 's' even in the singular sense when it refers to a method or way of doing something.