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.nounA2
Definition

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.

Example

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]

Common collocations
  • test a method
  • develop a method
  • use a method
  • new method
  • traditional method
  • alternative method
  • effective method
  • method of doing something
  • method for doing something
Synonyms
  • 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

Grammar Patterns

method of + [gerund phrase]

method for + [gerund phrase]

Usage Note

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.

Common Mistakes

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.nounB2
Definition

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.

Example

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]

Common collocations
  • study the Method
  • learn the Method
  • use the Method
  • the Method technique
  • Method actor
  • Method acting class
Synonyms
  • 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

Grammar Patterns

the Method

Method acting

Usage Note

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.

Common Mistakes

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'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These five words all describe how something is done, but they differ in scope and formality. 'Way' is the most general and informal — it covers every possible manner of doing something ('Show me the way you fold laundry'). 'Method' adds the idea of planning and order ('a scientific method for testing water purity'). 'Technique' focuses on the skill or practical execution, especially in arts or sports ('his free-throw technique improved with practice'). 'Approach' emphasises the overall direction or attitude toward a task, not the specific steps ('a new approach to teaching grammar that focuses on conversation'). 'Procedure' is the most formal and fixed, describing the official steps required in a professional or legal setting ('the hospital's emergency procedure'). 'System' suggests a complete set of interconnected methods that work together ('a filing system for client records'). In everyday conversation, 'way' and 'method' are the most common choices; 'procedure' and 'system' are more suitable for technical or workplace contexts.

way ↗technique ↗approach ↗procedure ↗system ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • a method of doing something
  • a method for doing something
  • by a different method

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'method' comes from Latin 'methodus' (way of teaching or proceeding), which was borrowed from Greek 'methodos' (scientific inquiry, pursuit of knowledge). The Greek word is a compound of 'meta-' (after) and 'hodos' (way, journey), literally meaning 'a way after' or 'a following after' — originally referring to the systematic pursuit of knowledge. The plural form 'methods' entered English in the 16th century as the word broadened from academic inquiry to any systematic way of doing things. The specialised theatre sense ('the Method') appeared in mid-20th-century American drama schools.

First known use

15th century

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1