method

American  

[meth-uhd] / ˈmɛθ əd /

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. 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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Related Words

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

• antimethod adjective
• methodless adjective

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”

Example Sentences

Sprinkles was known for, among other things, inventive and somewhat corny methods of customer delivery.

From Los Angeles Times

New York uses this method in primaries for citywide offices.

From Salon

It plans to bring in modernized manufacturing methods—such as automation and robotics—from the firm’s world-class South Korean operations.

From The Wall Street Journal

To solve the training problem, new startups are using methods such as having people wear cameras and haptic gloves while doing chores at home, according to Rokseth.

From Barron's

To be sure, there is method in the madness.

From Barron's

Related Words

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