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• method
  method

  noun

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

  noun

  (sometimes not capital)

method

American  

[meth-uhd] / ˈmɛθ əd /

noun

• methods
  plural

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. Also called Stanislavski Method.  Also called Stanislavski System.  the 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.

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adjective

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

   a Method actor;

   Method acting.

method ¹ British  

/ 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

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Method ² British  

/ 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

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Synonym Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• antimethod
  adjective
• methodless
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• methods
  plural

Etymology

Origin of method

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

Explanation

There's a certain way of doing things. A systematic, logical process for accomplishing a task. And it's called a method. There are methods of payment, production methods, and even "method acting." If someone asks if there's a "method to your madness," she wants to make sure there's some kind of plan behind all the crazy stuff you're doing. If you've thought it through and have organized the next steps, go ahead and tell them to buzz off, it's just your method of getting things done.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

method Method methods

State Farm customers with an email registered with the company will receive email instructions on how to log into the dividend payment portal and select their method of payment.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026

O’Donnell warns that using this method can get candidates blacklisted from companies who catch on.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 18, 2026

But, in an email, she said that, as ETFs become more complex and expand into new areas, “investors must have a robust due diligence method that cuts through the noise.”

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 18, 2026

They are sharing clips praising Niu Lai's "hand-crafted" method - a reference to the poor animation quality - as "proof" that its creators did not use AI.

From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026

Other doctors claimed that Lister's method made no difference in wound healing.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow

Then came paper towels, Method cleaner, dish soap, lime sparkling water and grapefruit-scented antibacterial wipes.

From Salon ● Aug. 20, 2026

Method Man narrates a retrospective of sneaker culture in a new campaign for Foot Locker.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026

The RZA and Method Man are also movie stars.

From Salon ● May 31, 2026

“Around the time I was doing ‘The Normal Heart,’ I gave an interview in which I mentioned that I was obsessed with Sandy Dennis,” he said, referencing the Oscar-winning Method actor who died in 1992.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 6, 2026

Question after needling question, that’s the Wilcox Method.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

The concern is that smuggling gangs will continue to adapt but Eastaugh told the BBC that changes to their methods demonstrated how hard they are finding it to operate.

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026

She pointed to the lack of attribution and other "red flags on methods and research integrity."

From Barron's ● Aug. 20, 2026

Until now, however, scientists have had a limited understanding of exactly where synaptic loss occurs in the brains of living people because conventional imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging cannot specifically measure synapses.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 20, 2026

Many college students will soon be able to pay their tuition via PayPal or Venmo, as traditional institutions move to offer alternative payment methods for this major expense.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 19, 2026

Therefore, let a prince conquer and maintain the state, and his methods will always be judged honourable and praised by all.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

Related Words

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