English · Question Words
by what means
/baɪ wɒt ˈmiːnz/
[/baɪ wɒt ˈmiːnz/]
how, by what method
Advancedphrase
Definition
A formal way to ask about the method used to do something.
Example
By what means did the thieves enter the locked building?
By what means did the thieves enter the locked building?
Etymology
A phrase using 'means' (Old French 'meien', middle, method).
How & Where It’s Used
A formal way to ask 'how' something was done.