method

[ meth-uhd ]
See synonyms for: methodmethods on Thesaurus.com

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.

  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.

  1. order or system in doing anything: to work with method.

  2. orderly or systematic arrangement, sequence, or the like.

  3. the Method. Also called Stanislavski Method, Stanislavski System. 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.

Origin of method

1
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English: “medical procedure,” Latin methodus, from Greek méthodos “systematic course,” equivalent to met- meta- + hodós “way, road”

synonym study For method

1, 2. 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 words for method

Other words from method

  • meth·od·less, adjective
  • an·ti·meth·od, adjective

Words Nearby method

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use method in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for method (1 of 2)

method

/ (ˈmɛθəd) /


noun
  1. a way of proceeding or doing something, esp a systematic or regular one

  2. orderliness of thought, action, etc

  1. (often plural) the techniques or arrangement of work for a particular field or subject

  2. bell-ringing any of several traditional sets of changes: See major (def. 19), minor (def. 8)

Origin of method

1
C16: via French from Latin methodus, from Greek methodos, literally: a going after, from meta- after + hodos way

British Dictionary definitions for Method (2 of 2)

Method

/ (ˈmɛθəd) /


noun
  1. (sometimes not capital)

    • 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

    • (as modifier): a Method actor

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012