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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, 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

That, to me, is the whole appeal of the method.

From Salon ● Sep. 28, 2026

The researchers found that these treatments were not necessary, allowing the method to become simpler and cheaper.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 27, 2026

The agency reported that the violations included unlawful take of female deer, taking deer without licenses or tags, possession of untagged meat, possession of loaded firearms in a vehicle, illegal method of take and spotlighting.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 2026

Her friend Katrina Dimingot agrees and says she much prefers a method where "we don't pay each other back, we just take it in turns to get things for each other".

From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026

When Bertillon knelt down to lift a print off the frame of the Mona Lisa, his measurement method was being used across the world.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day

For systemic aging, the researchers relied on established approaches that use clinical biomarkers, including PhenoAge and the Klemera-Doubal Method.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 14, 2026

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

In 1637 he finally published the Discourse on Method and three essays on mathematics and natural science.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Researchers can refine scanning methods and computer algorithms on expendable models rather than experimenting directly on irreplaceable ancient artifacts.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 26, 2026

But it’s a far better analogy for how viewers rallied behind the show, making Hansen and his questionable methods a sensation that could be replicated after their mutual cancellation.

From Salon ● Sep. 26, 2026

He said the gardening team was already adapting what crops were grown, where they were planted and cultivation methods to improve resilience in future seasons.

From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026

Meta has said Muse includes privacy protections and the AI agent can’t see people’s passwords or payment methods.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 24, 2026

“Trickeries and all methods of deceit will be resorted to.”

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

Related Words

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