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

The Crover robot is design to offer a much more complete and targeted analysis of grain storage than traditional static methods.

From TechCrunch

Holocene global mean surface temperature, a multi-method reconstruction approach.

From Nautilus

Current methods for screening the embryo’s genome also require technical updates to better capture unwanted genetic changes before implantation into the mother.

From Singularity Hub 

The new algorithm also has to work through too many steps for most real-world applications, where the relevant graphs are usually simple enough to check with brute-force methods.

From Quanta Magazine

The methods have unique pros and cons, and it’s unclear which approach may ultimately take the lead.

From Fortune

America could have its own version of the Aarhus method in Minnesota.

From The Daily Beast

Then French obstetricians advocated that the method would reduce pain and create a birthing environment free of stress.

From The Daily Beast

This behaviorally specific questioning method generally results in higher incidence rates than the ones used in the BJS report.

From The Daily Beast

Called by the hoity toity term of nasal insufflation, this method was used by some in Asia till a few hundred years ago.

From The Daily Beast

As Ackerman pointed out, all scientists are skeptics; skeptical doubt is a part of the scientific method.

From The Daily Beast

To reproduce the impulse born of the thought—this is the aim of a psychological method.

From Project Gutenberg

Roman Pane who accompanied Columbus on his second voyage alludes to another method of using the herb.

From Project Gutenberg

Their method of curing the leaves was to air-dry them and then packing them until wanted for use.

From Project Gutenberg

Smith's method usually gives good results, as does also the more simple method of Hiss (p. 263).

From Project Gutenberg

The rapid spread of the revolt was not a whit less marvelous than its lack of method or cohesion.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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