Synonyms

method

American

[meth-uhd] / ˈmɛθ əd /

noun

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
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
order or system in doing anything.

to work with method.
orderly or systematic arrangement, sequence, or the like.

Synonyms:

disposition
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

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

a Method actor;
Method acting.

method ¹ British

/ ˈmɛθəd /

noun

a way of proceeding or doing something, esp a systematic or regular one
orderliness of thought, action, etc
(often plural) the techniques or arrangement of work for a particular field or subject
Leisure:Bell-ringing any of several traditional sets of changes See major minor

"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

Method ² British

/ ˈmɛθəd /

noun

(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

"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

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”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Unlike conventional drugs that can affect many tissues throughout the body, this method is designed to work only in cells that have been programmed to respond.

From Science Daily

"Most large atlases like this require large consortia with dozens of laboratories but our method is far more efficient than other approaches."

From Science Daily

The cold waters, traditional curing methods, and long-standing fishing culture make it one of the country’s most respected exports.

From Salon

Some people briefly managed to access the internet using methods such as SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet and virtual private networks, and may be able to do so again.

From BBC

Is there a formula or method for figuring out when replacement becomes more cost-effective than ongoing repairs?

From MarketWatch

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023