Means vs. Resource: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 5, 2023
Means refers to the method or procedure for doing something; resource refers to a supply or support available for use or benefit, often economic.
Key Differences
Means and resource are terms often used interchangeably but have unique nuances in their usages. Means typically refers to a method, course of action, or a way to achieve an end. It implies a medium through which a certain goal or purpose is fulfilled. For example, education can be a means to acquire knowledge and develop skills, emphasizing the procedural or methodological aspect of achieving an objective.
On the other hand, a resource is usually a supply of materials, energy, knowledge, or other assets that can be drawn upon. Resources are often tangible, providing the necessary support or aid to achieve a specific objective. For instance, a book can be a resource for learning, emphasizing the tangible or intangible support used to fulfill a need or to accomplish a goal.
Means is generally used to describe the process or mechanism that is employed to achieve something, highlighting the functional or operational aspect. It implies the use of a specific method or strategy to realize a goal or to solve a problem. In this context, means is more about the approach or technique used, reflecting the dynamic aspect of execution.
Conversely, resource emphasizes the static aspect of availability and utility. It is about having access to something beneficial, whether it’s information, materials, or services, that can be utilized to meet needs or to overcome challenges. Resource points to the provision or availability of something valuable that can be leveraged or exploited to gain advantage or to make progress.
In essence, means is about the ‘how,’ the mode or manner, and resource is about the ‘what,’ the supply or stock. The utilization of means involves the implementation of certain methods or procedures, whereas the utilization of resources involves drawing upon available supplies or supports. While means are more about execution and application, resources are more about provision and availability.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The method or procedure used to achieve something.
A supply or support available for use or benefit.
Nature
Procedural or methodological.
Tangible or intangible.
Focus
How something is achieved.
What is available for use.
Utility
Involves execution and application.
Involves availability and provision.
Interdependence
Means often require resources to be effective.
Resources can be utilized through various means.
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Means and Resource Definitions
Means
A method or way of doing something.
Communication is a means of conveying information.
Resource
A source of help or information.
The library is a valuable resource for learning.
Means
Financial resources; income.
He lived beyond his means and accrued debt.
Resource
A supply of materials, support, or other assets.
Water is a critical resource for sustaining life.
Means
An instrument or intermediary for achieving a result.
The internet is a means to access vast amounts of data.
Resource
A means of supplying a want or deficiency.
Renewable energy is a resource for reducing carbon emissions.
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
Economic assets.
Natural resources contribute to a country’s wealth.
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.
Resource
The ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.
His resourcefulness helped him adapt to challenging situations.
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
Averages in mathematical statistics.
The means of the data set was calculated to determine the average value.
Means
Mediation or intervention for resolution.
Diplomacy is a means to resolve conflicts peacefully.
FAQs
Can means refer to financial capability?
Yes, means can refer to one’s financial resources or income.
Are resources always tangible?
No, resources can be both tangible, like water and food, and intangible, like knowledge and time.
Can resources be renewable?
Yes, resources like solar energy are renewable, while others like fossil fuels are non-renewable.
Is every resource beneficial?
Typically, resources are considered beneficial, but their value can depend on context and needs.
Can a means be resource-intensive?
Yes, some means or methods can require a significant amount of resources.
Can one means employ multiple resources?
Absolutely, one means or method can utilize various resources to achieve an end.
Does means always involve action?
Generally, means imply action or methodology involved in achieving something.
Are resources finite?
Many resources are finite and can be depleted, but some, like the sun’s energy, are virtually limitless.
Can a resource be a means?
Yes, when a resource like a tool is used to accomplish something, it serves as a means.
Can time be considered a resource?
Absolutely, time is a valuable and irreplaceable resource.
Is the end more important than the means?
It depends on ethical perspectives; some argue that the end justifies the means, while others emphasize ethical means.
Is means always synonymous with method?
Often it is, but means can also refer to resources, especially in the context of financial means.
Is human resource about people as assets?
Yes, in organizational contexts, human resources refer to people and their skills as assets to the organization.
Are all resources naturally occurring?
No, resources can be natural or man-made, like machinery or software.
Can means be independent of resources?
Typically, means are dependent on resources, even if the resource is as basic as energy or time.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
