method
Americannoun
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a procedure, technique, or way of doing something, especially in accordance with a definite plan.
There are three possible methods of repairing this motor.
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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.
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order or system in doing anything.
to work with method.
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orderly or systematic arrangement, sequence, or the like.
- Synonyms:
- disposition
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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
noun
noun
Synonym Usage
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
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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”
Explanation
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.
Vocabulary lists containing method
Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items
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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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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.
OpenText CIO and Chief Digital Officer Shannon Bell said the show back or “chargeback” method can lower an organization’s token costs by 20% to 30%.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026
"Choose method of message delivery, my choice. - two highly respected former ---- fill in the blank, immigration, scotland yard. sfo. . who may knock on her door and present the terms," Epstein wrote.
From BBC • Jun. 27, 2026
Michel’s son, Matt, has sought to modernize the team with a score-keeping app that has proved more reliable than Michel’s antiquated paper method.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2026
The repercussions of this method still reverberate through Panettiere’s life today, with the actress musing: “I’ve often wondered whether—unintentionally—I’ve brought on my traumas because I’m wired to think they’re good for me.”
From MarketWatch • Jun. 26, 2026
His method is much preferred to Rooster Jim's, which is to taste it.
From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson
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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.