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”

Related Words

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