method

[meth-uh d] /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.
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.
3.
order or system in doing anything:
to work with method.
4.
orderly or systematic arrangement, sequence, or the like.
5.
the Method, Also called Stanislavski Method, Stanislavski System. 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
6.
(usually initial capital letter) of, pertaining to, or employing the Method:
a Method actor; Method acting.
Origin
1375-1425; late Middle English: medical procedure < Latin methodus < Greek méthodos systematic course, equivalent to met- meta- + hodós way, road
Related forms
methodless, adjective
antimethod, adjective
Synonyms
1, 2. means, technique. 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. 4. disposition.
Examples from the web for methods
  • The list that follows pairs plant groups with the watering methods that work best for each.
  • Vines that twine, climb by tendrils or coiling leafstalks, or scramble are pruned by similar methods.
  • These could also be joined by other methods or made from larger pieces of wood.
  • Control pests and diseases with nonchemical methods or low-toxicity chemicals and by choosing varieties that resist disease.
  • For something more traditional try one of our easy methods for planked salmon.
  • Her methods work on any kind of evergreen at any size that you can reach with shears.
  • We've found that the honey extractor and the fancy filters make the honey harvest much easier than our old honey harvest methods.
  • It was not the first time that conscience has turned against the methods of research.
  • To maintain a democracy of effort requires a vast amount of patience in dealing with differing methods, a vast amount of humility.
  • Every language has its special method or methods of binding words into a larger unity.
British Dictionary definitions for methods

method

/ˈmɛθəd/
noun
1.
a way of proceeding or doing something, esp a systematic or regular one
2.
orderliness of thought, action, etc
3.
(often pl) the techniques or arrangement of work for a particular field or subject
4.
(bell-ringing) any of several traditional sets of changes See major (sense 19), minor (sense 8)
Word Origin
C16: via French from Latin methodus, from Greek methodos, literally: a going after, from meta- after + hodos way

Method

/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
Word Origin and History for methods

method

n.

early 15c., "regular, systematic treatment of disease," from Latin methodus "way of teaching or going," from Greek methodos "scientific inquiry, method of inquiry, investigation," originally "pursuit, a following after," from meta- "after" (see meta-) + hodos "a traveling, way" (see cede). Meaning "way of doing anything" is from 1580s; that of "orderliness, regularity" is from 1610s. In reference to a theory of acting associated with Russian director Konstantin Stanislavsky, it is attested from 1923.

methods in Medicine

method meth·od (měth'əd)
n.

  1. A means or manner of procedure, especially a regular and systematic way of accomplishing something.

  2. Orderly arrangement of parts or steps to accomplish an end.

  3. The procedures and techniques characteristic of a particular discipline or field of knowledge.

methods in Technology

language
A line-oriented Smalltalk for PC's, produced by Digitalk ca 1985. Methods was the predecessor of Smalltalk/V.
(1995-04-16)