n.
Pronunciation: ' me-th ə d
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, prescribed treatment, from Latin methodus, from Greek methodos, from meta- + hodos way
Date: 15th century
1 : a procedure or process for attaining an object: as a (1) : a systematic procedure, technique, or mode of inquiry employed by or proper to a particular discipline or art (2) : a systematic plan followed in presenting material for instruction b (1) : a way, technique, or process of or for doing something (2) : a body of skills or techniques
2 : a discipline that deals with the principles and techniques of scientific inquiry
3 a : orderly arrangement, development, or classification : PLAN b : the habitual practice of orderliness and regularity
4 capitalized : a dramatic technique by which an actor seeks to gain complete identification with the inner personality of the character being portrayed
synonyms METHOD , MODE , MANNER , WAY , FASHION , SYSTEM mean the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end. METHOD implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps <effective teaching methods >. MODE implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference <the preferred mode of transportation>. MANNER is close to MODE but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive <an odd manner of conducting>. WAY is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words <has her own way of doing things>. FASHION may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something <rushing about in his typical fashion >. SYSTEM suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness <a filing system >.