method
/ˈmɛθəd
/noun
1A particular procedure for accomplishing or approaching something, especially a systematic or established one: a method for software maintenance labour-intensive production methods...
- It is a useful means of organizing research methods and approaches to data analysis.
- From there we also looked at who we would approach and what methods we would use to make contact.
- James explained why he though organic methods are being widely practiced in the area.
Synonyms
procedure, technique, system, practice, routine, modus operandi, method of working, formula, process, means, medium, mechanism;
tack, approach, way, line, course of action, route, road;
strategy, tactic, plan, recipe, rule
1.1 [mass noun] The quality of being well organized and systematic in thought or action: historical study is the rigorous combination of knowledge and method...
- The thumb and index finger of the right hand stand for wisdom and method combined.
- I feel that this would be safer than the situation now is with no legal method.
- They rarely come close enough for a good photograph unless they are lured in by some method.
Synonyms
order, orderliness, organization, arrangement, structure, form, system, logic, planning, plan, design, purpose, pattern, routine, discipline
1.2 (usually Method) short for method acting. Paula was at least hip to the Method [as modifier]: reliance on Method technique
Phrases
there is method in someone's madness
Origin
Late Middle English (in the sense 'prescribed medical treatment for a disease'): via Latin from Greek methodos 'pursuit of knowledge', from meta- (expressing development) + hodos 'way'.
Originally a method referred to a medical treatment for a disease, coming via Latin from Greek methodos ‘pursuit of knowledge’, based on hodos ‘way’. Methodist, the 18th-century evangelistic movement founded by Charles and John Wesley and George Whitefield is probably from the notion of following a specified ‘method’ of Bible study.