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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

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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”

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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

The WSJ notes that under the old reporting method, a sudden drop in Singapore sales could have drawn investor scrutiny.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 12, 2026

However she added there was probably a lack of awareness about the sharing scheme as "another method of donation", even among people living with kidney disease.

From BBC ● Nov. 12, 2026

Every teenager with a credit card has used this method.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 11, 2026

This method examines short, standardized sections of DNA and compares them with reference sequences from known species.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 6, 2026

This number was so large that the Greek system of numeration was unable to handle it; Archimedes had to invent a whole new method of denoting really huge numbers.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

From inspecting Will Smith’s fade and high-top on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” to Method Man’s pristine chin strap beard worn throughout his career and Alfonso Ribeiro’s cut on “America’s Funniest Home Videos.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 9, 2026

The serial entrepreneur previously co-founded the cleaning-products maker Method and the vitamin-and-supplements brand Olly.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 19, 2026

When Saint slipped and hurt her arm, the Method actor said she decided to use the pain and can be seen rubbing her elbow in the film.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

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

My teachers are all very knowledgeable about the Method.

From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day

“Treasury historically has not offered the different kinds of payment resolution methods that the Education Department has had over the years.”

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 12, 2026

“The methods expanded accordingly, from conventional espionage and technology purchases to cyber operations, academic collaborations, talent recruitment, overseas investments, and systematic exploitation of publicly available research,” Hannas said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 12, 2026

Earlier work involved some of the trust's first attempts to restore seagrass meadows in Cornwall's estuaries, with volunteers collecting and planting thousands of seeds while researchers tested different restoration methods.

From BBC ● Nov. 8, 2026

Because no single type of evidence can provide a complete picture of the distant past, the team combined several independent methods.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 7, 2026

These inventions include side-scan sonar, which proved invaluable when locating shipwrecks, advanced underwater picture-taking equipment, and equally advanced methods of mapping a wreck site.

From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler

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Related Words

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

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