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

This detection represents an object with a mass about one hundred times smaller than any previously found using this method, showing that the technique can reveal other similarly small dark structures.

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"We think this method could, in the near future, become the primary tool for exploring these kinds of quantum dynamics on consumer-grade computers."

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He has confronted demonstrators numerous times at the Broadview ICE processing center, where federal agents have repeatedly deployed tear gas and other crowd-control methods.

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

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

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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