Means vs. Resource — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 25, 2023
"Means" refers to a method or way to achieve something, while "Resource" is a supply or support available for a purpose.
Difference Between Means and Resource
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Means" often denotes a method, system, or instrumentality by which a particular outcome is achieved. On the other hand, a "Resource" is typically an asset, material, or value that can be accessed or used to its potential.
One could use various "Means" to achieve a goal, drawing from different strategies or methods. In contrast, one might rely on multiple "Resources," such as time, money, or tools, to facilitate those methods.
To clarify, "Means" could be seen as the strategy or pathway, while "Resource" is akin to the tangible or intangible assets that power or support that pathway.
It's also notable that "Means" can sometimes refer to financial resources, highlighting a specific type of "Resource." In this context, having the "Means" to do something aligns closely with having the "Resources" to do it.
While both terms can relate to achieving objectives, "Means" typically emphasizes the how, and "Resource" underscores the what that makes the how possible.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
Method or way to achieve something.
Supply or support available for a purpose.
Tangibility
Often intangible (strategies, methods)
Can be tangible (tools, materials) or intangible.
Context of Use
Describes the "how" of a process.
Represents the "what" used in a process.
Relation to Finance
Can refer specifically to financial resources.
Broadly represents any asset, including finance.
Focus
Emphasizes methodology or approach.
Stresses the assets or tools available.
Compare with Definitions
Means
The medium through which a result is achieved.
Determination is her Means of overcoming challenges.
Resource
Materials or substances such as minerals, forests, or water that are naturally occurring.
Coal was historically a major Resource for energy production.
Means
A method or way to achieve an end.
Education is a key Means to personal growth.
Resource
An asset to achieve a goal or purpose.
She's a fantastic Resource when it comes to marketing knowledge.
Means
An instrumentality for carrying out a particular function.
The internet is a Means of global communication.
Resource
Available means afforded by finances or assets.
The company has limited financial Resources.
Means
An action or system by which a result is achieved; a method
Resolving disputes by peaceful means
Technology seen as a means to bring about emancipation
Resource
A supply or stock that can be drawn upon.
Water is a vital Resource for human survival.
Means
Financial resources; income
A woman of modest but independent means
Resource
A person or thing that can be used for support or help.
The library is an excellent Resource for research.
Means
To be used to convey; denote
"'The question is,' said Alice, 'whether you can make words mean so many different things'" (Lewis Carroll).
Resource
Resource refers to all the materials available in our environment which help us to satisfy our needs and wants. Resources can broadly be classified upon their availability — they are classified into renewable and non-renewable resources.
Means
To act as a symbol of; signify or represent
In this poem, the budding flower means youth.
Resource
Something that is available for use or that can be used for support or help
The local library is a valuable resource.
Means
To intend to convey or indicate
"No one means all he says, and yet very few say all they mean, for words are slippery and thought is viscous" (Henry Adams).
Resource
Often resources An available supply, especially of money, that can be drawn on when needed.
Means
To have as a purpose or an intention; intend
I meant to go running this morning, but I overslept.
Resource
The ability to deal with a difficult or troublesome situation effectively; resourcefulness
A person of resource.
Means
To design, intend, or destine for a certain purpose or end
A building that was meant for storage.
A student who was meant to be a scientist.
Resource
A means that can be used to cope with a difficult situation; an expedient
Needed all my intellectual resources for the exam.
Means
To have as a consequence; bring about
Friction means heat.
Resource
Resources The total means available for economic and political development, such as mineral wealth, labor force, and armaments.
Means
To have the importance or value of
The opinions of the critics meant nothing to him. She meant so much to me.
Resource
Resources The total means available to a company for increasing production or profit, including plant, labor, and raw material; assets.
Means
To have intentions of a specified kind; be disposed
They mean well but lack tact.
Resource
Such means considered individually.
Means
Something having a position, quality, or condition midway between extremes; a medium.
Resource
Something that one uses to achieve an objective, e.g. raw materials or personnel.
Means
A number that typifies a set of numbers, such as a geometric mean or an arithmetic mean.
Resource
A person's capacity to deal with difficulty.
A man or woman of resource
Means
The average value of a set of numbers.
Resource
Something that can be used to help achieve an aim, especially a book, equipment, etc. that provides information for teachers and students.
Means
(Logic) The middle term in a syllogism.
Resource
(networking) Hardware or software accessible by a computer, network, or another object connected to a computer.
Means
Means (used with a sing. or pl. verb) A method, a course of action, or an instrument by which an act can be accomplished or an end achieved.
Resource
To supply with resources.
Means
Money, property, or other wealth
You ought to live within your means.
Resource
To source anew or differently; to find or provide a new source for.
Means
Great wealth
A woman of means.
Resource
That to which one resorts orr on which one depends for supply or support; means of overcoming a difficulty; resort; expedient.
Threat'nings mixed with prayers, his last resource.
Means
Occupying a middle or intermediate position between two extremes.
Resource
Pecuniary means; funds; money, or any property that can be converted into supplies; available means or capabilities of any kind.
Scotland by no means escaped the fate ordained for every country which is connected, but not incorporated, with another country of greater resources.
Means
Intermediate in size, extent, quality, time, or degree; medium.
Resource
Available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed
Means
Plural of mean
Resource
A source of aid or support that may be drawn upon when needed;
The local library is a valuable resource
Means
An instrument or condition for attaining a purpose.
She treated him as a means to an end.
A car is a means of transport.
Resource
The ability to deal resourcefully with unusual problems;
A man of resource
Means
(uncountable) Resources; riches.
A person of means;
Independent means
He was living beyond his means.
Means
How a result is obtained or an end is achieved;
A means of control
An example is the best agency of instruction
The true way to success
Means
Instrumentality used to achieve an end
Means
Considerable capital (wealth or income);
He is a man of means
Means
The financial resources or assets of an individual or entity.
She has the Means to fund her startup.
Means
A system or set of methods for doing something.
Modern transportation offers various Means of travel.
Common Curiosities
Can "Means" also denote financial capability?
Yes, having the "Means" can imply possessing the necessary financial resources.
Is every "Resource" tangible?
No, resources can be both tangible (like tools) and intangible (like knowledge).
How can "Resource" be used in the context of people?
A person with expertise can be considered a valuable "Resource" in a specific field.
Would a strategy be a "Means" or a "Resource"?
Typically, a strategy would be described as a "Means" to an end.
What is a "Resource" in general terms?
It's a supply, asset, or support available for a particular purpose.
Which term focuses more on methodology?
"Means" emphasizes the method or strategy.
How can "Means" be best described?
"Means" typically refers to a method or way to accomplish something.
Can "Means" and "Resource" sometimes overlap in meaning?
Yes, especially when "Means" refers to financial resources.
Is "Means" limited to describing financial capability?
No, while it can refer to finances, it broadly describes ways or methods.
Can nature be considered a "Resource"?
Yes, natural elements like forests, water, or minerals are often termed resources.
And which one emphasizes assets or tools?
"Resource" stresses the assets or supplies available.
Can knowledge be considered a "Resource"?
Yes, knowledge is an invaluable intangible resource.
Are the terms "Means" and "Resource" interchangeable?
While they can overlap, they aren't fully interchangeable and have distinct nuances.
Is "Means" usually singular or plural?
It's often used in the plural form but can be singular depending on context.
Can "Resource" refer to digital assets?
Absolutely, digital assets like databases or software can be critical resources.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Usability vs. Utility
Next Comparison
Oregano vs. ThymeAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
