English

Prepositional phrase

of means

1. (of a person) Possessing significant wealth, especially as suggesting social standing.
   • 1896, H. G. Wells, The Wheels of Chance, ch. 29:

     He seemed a person of means and leisure, but he knew nothing of recent concerts, theatres, or books.

   • 1915, Anna Katharine Green, The Golden Slipper, Problem 7:

     The reward offered by Mrs. Hasbrouck for the detection of the murderer was a very large one. She is a woman of means.

   • 2007, Richard Corliss, "When Antonioni Blew Up the Movies," Time, 5 Aug. :

     Rich and pretty, he shows how meaningless it is to be a man of means. He in incapacitated by wealth, status and the availability of sex with good-looking people.

Usage notes

• Often found in the expressions man of means and woman of means.

Synonyms

• affluent, prosperous, wealthy, well off, well-to-do