method

[meth-uhd]

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.

adjective

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

   a Method actor;

   Method acting.

method

¹

/ 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

Method

²

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• methodless adjective
• antimethod adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of method¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of method¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

Using this method, they engineered cells that target CD-19, a protein commonly found on malignant B cells in lymphoma patients.

Read more on Science Daily

By offering a natural, self-organizing method for directing light signals, optical thermodynamics could speed up progress in these efforts.

Read more on Science Daily

That is the polite term for the central bank’s massive purchase of bonds, the modern method of printing money.

Read more on Barron's

Homeownership—one traditional method by which prior generations of Americans built their wealth—has moved further out of reach, just as trading stocks has become easier and cheaper than ever.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

With no missing person reports matching the remains, investigating officers had to piece together a jigsaw using largely untested methods.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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