means

means · noun, noun, noun, verb¹

From mean (“method or course of action used to achieve some result”). Compare French moyens, German Mittel.

Means · proper noun²

1. Old French · derived frommëen
2. Middle English · derived frommene“moderate in behaviour”
3. Old English · derived fromġemǣne“common, general”
4. Middle English · derived frommene“inferior in rank”
5. English todayMeans

Various origins: * Reduced form of McMeans, a surname of Irish origin. * Habitational surname from the villages of East and West Meon, in Hampshire. * A nickname from Middle English mene (“inferior in rank”), which is from Old English ġemǣne (“common, general”), or Middle English mene (“moderate in behaviour”), which is from Old French mëen, mean.

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• late 14th c. An instrument or condition to achieve a result.
• circa 1600 Financial resources; wealth.
• circa 1600 Substantial wealth.