method

[ meth-uhd ]

noun

1. a procedure, technique, or way of doing something, especially in accordance with a definite plan:

   There are three possible methods of repairing this motor.

   Synonyms: technique, mean

2. a manner or mode of procedure, especially an orderly, logical, or systematic way of instruction, inquiry, investigation, experiment, presentation, etc.:

   the empirical method of inquiry.

   Synonyms: technique, mean

3. order or system in doing anything:

   to work with method.

4. orderly or systematic arrangement, sequence, or the like.

   Synonyms: disposition

5. the Method. Also called Stanislavski Method, a theory and technique of acting in which the performer identifies with the character to be portrayed and renders the part in a naturalistic, nondeclamatory, and highly individualized manner.

adjective

1. (usually initial capital letter) of, relating to, or employing the Method:

   a Method actor;

   Method acting.

method

¹

/ ˈmɛθəd /

noun

1. a way of proceeding or doing something, esp a systematic or regular one
2. orderliness of thought, action, etc
3. often plural the techniques or arrangement of work for a particular field or subject
4. Leisure:Bell-ringing any of several traditional sets of changes See major minor

Method

²

/ ˈmɛθəd /

noun

1. sometimes not capital
   1. a technique of acting based on the theories of Stanislavsky, in which the actor bases his role on the inner motivation of the character he plays
   2. ( as modifier )

      a Method actor

Other Words From

• method·less adjective
• anti·method adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of method¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English: “medical procedure,” Latin methodus, from Greek méthodos “systematic course,” equivalent to met- meta- + hodós “way, road”

Word History and Origins

Origin of method¹

C16: via French from Latin methodus, from Greek methodos, literally: a going after, from meta- after + hodos way

Synonym Study

Method, mode, way imply a manner in which a thing is done or in which it happens. Method refers to a settled kind of procedure, usually according to a definite, established, logical, or systematic plan: the open-hearth method of making steel; one method of solving a problem. Mode is a more formal word that implies a customary or characteristic fashion of doing something: Kangaroos have a peculiar mode of carrying their young. Way, a word in popular use for the general idea, is equivalent to various more specific words: someone's way (manner) of walking; the best way (method) of rapid calculating; the way (mode) of holding a pen.

Example Sentences

Lest you require a reminder, most modern scientific experiments are constructed using the scientific method.

From Slate

It is a method tested “in the most austere, complex environments in which people are shooting at us and people are dying,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump and Joe Biden did not employ the method.

From BBC

Past presidents have employed this method liberally, often as a way of circumventing political divides that would slow nominations.

From BBC

The Sheriff’s Department did not say whether the bag’s contents or the method of defusing it caused the flash.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• approach
• arrangement
• design
• form
• habit
• manner
• mechanism
• mode
• plan
• practice
• process
• program
• recipe
• rule
• scheme
• style
• system
• technique
• way