a procedure, technique, or way of doing something, especially in accordance with a definite plan.
There are three possible methods of repairing this motor.
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.
order or system in doing anything.
to work with method.
orderly or systematic arrangement, sequence, or the like.
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.
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.
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English: “medical procedure,” Latin methodus, from Greek méthodos “systematic course,” equivalent to met- meta- + hodós “way, road”
There's a certain way of doing things. A systematic, logical process for accomplishing a task. And it's called a method. There are methods of payment, production methods, and even "method acting." If someone asks if there's a "method to your madness," she wants to make sure there's some kind of plan behind all the crazy stuff you're doing. If you've thought it through and have organized the next steps, go ahead and tell them to buzz off, it's just your method of getting things done.
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Steyer said his background is completely different from the people who thought they would bring a business accounting method to state government, a belief he called “super juvenile.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026
The method divides space and time into an extremely fine grid, or lattice, allowing scientists to numerically solve the equations governing particle interactions.
From Science Daily • May 19, 2026
Associate Professor Glorie said the same research method could help scientists investigate other geological mysteries around the world.
From Science Daily • May 18, 2026
Managers and coaches follow the method of playing out from the back, with the goalkeeper needing to be as good with his feet as with his hands.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
His method of tidying was peculiar: he simply swallowed all the flies and spiders in the boxes before I could stop him.
From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
