method
MEH-thuhd
Method (noun) means a particular way or process of doing something. Example: “The chef explained her favourite method for cooking rice so that it never sticks.”
noun
1
A particular way or process of doing something.
"The chef explained her favourite method for cooking rice so that it never sticks."
"They developed a new method for teaching reading to young children."
"What method do you use to organize your schedule?"
2
Orderliness and logical planning in how something is done.
"The tidy rows of labelled boxes showed the method in his storage system."
"If you work with more method, you will waste far less time looking for things."
"There was clear method behind her seemingly chaotic filing system."
3
In programming, a function that belongs to a particular class or object.
"You can call the method on any object of that type to print its name."
"Each method in this class changes the state of the object in some way."
"The class has a method that calculates the total price."
How to use method
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA planned, organized way of doing or making something.
Common pairings
a method of
scientific method
teaching method
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Word forms
- Plural
- methods
- Third person singular
- methods
- Past tense
- methoded
Fill the gap
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The chef explained her favourite _____ for cooking rice so that it never sticks.
Etymology
From Middle French methode, from Latin methodus, from Greek méthodos, literally "a following after" (meta- + hodos, "way, path").
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “method” mean?
The word “method” means a particular way or process of doing something. In plain terms, a planned, organized way of doing or making something.
How do you pronounce “method”?
“Method” is pronounced MEH-thuhd (/ˈmɛθəd/ in IPA).
How do you use “method” in a sentence?
Here is “method” used in a sentence: “They developed a new method for teaching reading to young children.”
What part of speech is “method”?
“Method” is a noun.
Where does the word “method” come from?
The word “method” comes from Latin. From Middle French methode, from Latin methodus, from Greek méthodos, literally "a following after" (meta- + hodos, "way, path").
Is “method” a common word?
“Method” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “method” have?
“Method” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a particular way or process of doing something.
What is the difference between a method and a technique?
A method is the overall way or process you follow to achieve something, often with defined steps and logic. A technique is a specific skill or manoeuvre used within that process. In short, the method is your plan of attack, while the technique is one of the practical tools you use to carry it out.
What is the difference between a method and a methodology?
A method is a single way of doing something. A methodology is the broader study or system of methods, including the reasoning behind why particular methods are chosen. People often use methodology to mean method, but strictly it refers to the theory and framework guiding which methods you apply and how.
What are the types of methods?
Methods vary by field. In science you have experimental, observational, and statistical methods. In teaching there are lecture-based and hands-on methods. In business, project methods like agile or waterfall. The common thread is that each describes a distinct, repeatable process for reaching a particular kind of result.
Can a method be learned?
Yes. Because a method is a defined process rather than an innate talent, it can be taught, practised, and refined. Following a proven method helps ensure consistent, reliable results and lets others repeat the same steps. Many professions revolve around mastering established methods before adapting or improving them.
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