method

/ˈmɛθəd/
/ˈmɛθəd/
IPA guide

Other forms: methods

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.

Definitions of method
  1. noun
    a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
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    types:
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    pedagogics, pedagogy, teaching method
    the principles and methods of instruction
    method of choice
    the best method to achieve a desired result
    methodology
    the system of methods followed in a particular discipline
    mnemonics
    a method or system for improving the memory
    solution
    a method for solving a problem
    system, system of rules
    a complex of methods or rules governing behavior
    technique
    a practical method or art applied to some particular task
    technicolor
    a trademarked method of making color motion pictures
    statistical method, statistical procedure
    a method of analyzing or representing statistical data; a procedure for calculating a statistic
    wrinkle
    a clever method of doing something (especially something new and different)
    scientific method
    a method of investigation involving observation and theory to test scientific hypotheses
    Socratic method, maieutic method
    a method of teaching by question and answer; used by Socrates to elicit truths from his students
    silver bullet
    a simple guaranteed solution for a difficult problem
    accounting
    a system that provides quantitative information about finances
    discipline
    a system of rules of conduct or method of practice
    frame, frame of reference
    a system of assumptions and standards that sanction behavior and give it meaning
    gambling system
    a system of rules for placing bets that is believed to lead to winning
    government
    (government) the system or form by which a community or other political unit is governed
    honor system
    a system of conduct in which participants are trusted not to take unfair advantage of others
    logic, logical system, system of logic
    a system of reasoning
    merit system
    the system of employing and promoting civil servants on the basis of ability
    point system
    a system of evaluation based on awarding points according to rules
    spoils system
    the system of employing and promoting civil servants who are friends and supporters of the group in power
    organon
    a system of principles for philosophic or scientific investigations; an instrument for acquiring knowledge
    antialiasing
    (computer graphics) a technique that is used to smooth jagged distortions in curves and diagonal lines so they appear smoother
    Benday process
    a photoengraving technique for adding shading or texture or tone to a printed image
    bonding
    (dentistry) a technique for repairing a tooth; resinous material is applied to the surface of the tooth where it adheres to the tooth's enamel
    emulation
    (computer science) technique of one machine obtaining the same results as another
    immunofluorescence
    (immunology) a technique that uses antibodies linked to a fluorescent dye in order to study antigens in a sample of tissue
    photomechanics
    the technique of using photomechanical methods to make photographs into plates for printing
    computer simulation, simulation
    (computer science) the technique of representing the real world by a computer program
    program, programme
    a system of projects or services intended to meet a public need
    theosophy
    a system of belief based on mystical insight into the nature of God and the soul
    anthroposophy
    a system of beliefs and practices based on the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner; it claims to integrate the practical and psychological in child-centered education
    least squares, method of least squares
    a method of fitting a curve to data points so as to minimize the sum of the squares of the distances of the points from the curve
    multivariate analysis
    a generic term for any statistical technique used to analyze data from more than one variable
    regression, regression toward the mean, simple regression, statistical regression
    the relation between selected values of x and observed values of y (from which the most probable value of y can be predicted for any value of x)
    logic
    the system of operations performed by a computer that underlies the machine's representation of logical operations
    theological system, theology
    a particular system or school of religious beliefs and teachings
    ethic, ethical code
    a system of principles governing morality and acceptable conduct
    type of:
    know-how
    the (technical) knowledge and skill required to do something
  2. noun
    an acting technique introduced by Stanislavsky in which the actor recalls emotions or reactions from his or her own life and uses them to identify with the character being portrayed
    synonyms: method acting
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    type of:
    acting, performing, playacting, playing
    the performance of a part or role in a drama
Pronunciation
US
/ˈmɛθəd/
UK
/ˈmɛθəd/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘method'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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