method

noun

meth·​od ˈme-thəd 

1

: a procedure or process for attaining an object: such as

a(1)

: a systematic procedure, technique, or mode of inquiry employed by or proper to a particular discipline or art

(2)

: a systematic plan followed in presenting material for instruction

the lecture method

b(1)

: a way, technique, or process of or for doing something

often slow in their business methods

—T. R. Ybarra

(2)

: a body of skills or techniques

in the art of the novel, heavily armed with method

—J. D. Scott

2

: a discipline that deals with the principles and techniques of scientific inquiry

3

a

: orderly arrangement, development, or classification : plan

The book is completely lacking in method.

b

: the habitual practice of orderliness and regularity

time enough to do everything if only you used method

—Angela Thirkell

4

capitalized : a dramatic technique by which an actor seeks to gain complete identification with the inner personality of the character being portrayed

Synonyms

• approach
• fashion
• form
• how
• manner
• methodology
• recipe
• strategy
• style
• system
• tack
• tactics
• technique
• way

Choose the Right Synonym for method

method, mode, manner, way, fashion, system mean the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end.

method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

effective teaching methods

mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

the preferred mode of transportation

manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive.

an odd manner of conducting

way is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words.

has her own way of doing things

fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something.

rushing about in his typical fashion

system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

a filing system

Examples of method in a Sentence

He claims to have developed a new method for growing tomatoes.

Their teaching method tries to adapt lessons to each student.

We need to adopt more modern methods of doing things.

Recent Examples on the Web

New recycling methods are limited in availability and costly, which ironically means that landfilling is currently the most cost-effective disposal option. —Ariel Cohen, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Bill went home from Shea by his usual method: limo. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 23 Dec. 2024

Breakthroughs will make devices and software faster, revolutionize AI, and improve data security with ultra-secure encryption methods. —Kevin Williams, CNBC, 22 Dec. 2024

The French press method of making coffee is straightforward, cost-effective, easy to do, and hard to mess up. —Tyler Shane, WIRED, 22 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, prescribed treatment, from Latin methodus, from Greek methodos, from meta- + hodos way

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing method

• (a) method in/to one's madness
• method of fluxions
• rhythm method
• scientific method
• Stanislavski method
• the scientific method

Kids Definition

method

noun

meth·​od ˈmeth-əd 

1

: a way, plan, or procedure for doing something

2

: orderly arrangement

Medical Definition

method

noun

meth·​od ˈmeth-əd 

: a procedure or process for attaining an object: as

a

: a systematic procedure, technique, or mode of inquiry employed by or proper to a particular discipline see scientific method

b

: a way, technique, or process of or for doing something