methods

IPA/ˈmeθ.əd/
KK[mˈɛθədz]IPA/ˈmeθ.əd/

methods — noun

  • methodssingular
  • methodsesplural

1. a planned set of actions or a system that you use to achieve a particular result

1.名詞A2
釋義

a planned set of actions or a system that you use to achieve a particular result — for example, using group discussions as a teaching method, or following a specific procedure to test water for bacteria.

例句

Quan tested three different methods for cleaning the water, but only the last one worked.

method + for + [gerund phrase]

The teacher showed her class a simple method for multiplying large numbers using a grid.

method for + [gerund phrase]

同義詞
  • way

    more general and informal; 'way' can describe any manner of doing something, while 'method' implies planning and system

  • technique

    focuses on the skilled execution of a task, especially in arts, sports, or crafts

  • approach

    emphasises the overall direction or strategy rather than the specific steps

  • procedure

    suggests a fixed, official set of steps, often in a professional or legal context

文法句型

method of + [gerund phrase]

method for + [gerund phrase]

用法筆記

Use 'method of [doing something]' or 'method for [doing something]' to describe what the method achieves. 'Method' is a countable noun; the plural 'methods' refers to multiple techniques or approaches. Do not confuse with 'methodology', which is the study or system of methods used in a particular field.

常見錯誤

❌What methodology do you use to learn vocabulary?
✅What method do you use to learn vocabulary?
💡'Methodology' means the study of methods, not a method itself.
❌There is a new methodology for teaching reading.
✅There is a new method for teaching reading.
💡Say 'method' for the actual way of doing something; 'methodology' is an academic field.

2. a style of acting in which the performer tries to feel the same emotions as the

2.名詞B2
釋義

a style of acting in which the performer tries to feel the same emotions as the character by connecting them to personal memories and real-life experiences — for example, an actor who spends weeks living as the character would to prepare for a film role.

例句

Rafael studied the Method at a drama school in Chicago before his first film role.

the Method (capitalised, as a proper noun)

To prepare using the Method, Amelia spent a week living in the neighborhood where her character grew up.

use the Method + to prepare for [role]

同義詞
  • Method acting

    the full, more explicit term for this sense

  • Stanislavski system

    the original approach developed by Konstantin Stanislavski, which the Method is based on

文法句型

the Method

Method acting

用法筆記

When the acting technique is intended, the word is often capitalised and preceded by 'the' ('the Method'). The phrase 'Method acting' is also common. This sense is closely associated with the work of Konstantin Stanislavski and later teachers such as Lee Strasberg.

常見錯誤

❌She learned method acting at a school in New York.
✅She learned the Method at a school in New York.
💡When referring to the specific technique, capitalise 'Method' and include the article 'the'.