Method

UK: 'method', 'Method': /ˈmɛθəd/ US: /ˈmɛθəd/ ,(meth′əd)

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

Method / ˈmɛθəd/ noun

1. (sometimes not capital) a technique of acting based on the theories of Stanislavsky, in which the actor bases his or her role on the inner motivation of the character being played
2. (as modifier): a Method actor

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

meth•od /ˈmɛθəd/   n. 

1. a procedure, technique, or planned way of doing something:
   [countable] There are several methods we could use to recover your lost data.
2. order or system in doing anything:
   [uncountable] There's no method to your work.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

meth•od  (meth′əd), n. 

1. a procedure, technique, or way of doing something, esp. in accordance with a definite plan:
   There are three possible methods of repairing this motor.
2. a manner or mode of procedure, esp. an orderly, logical, or systematic way of instruction, inquiry, investigation, experiment, presentation, etc.:
   the empirical method of inquiry.
3. order or system in doing anything:
   to work with method.
4. orderly or systematic arrangement, sequence, or the like.
5. Show Business the Method. Also called Stanislavski Method, Stanislavski System. a theory and technique of acting in which the performer identifies with the character to be portrayed and renders the part in a naturalistic, nondeclamatory, and highly individualized manner.

adj. 

6. Show Business (usually cap.) of, pertaining to, or employing the Method:
   a Method actor; Method acting.

• Greek méthodos systematic course, equivalent. to met- meta- + hodós way, road
• Latin methodus
• late Middle English: medical procedure 1375–1425

meth′od•less, adj. 
Synonyms

• 1, 2. means, technique.
  Method, mode, way imply a manner in which a thing is done or in which it happens.
  Method refers to a settled kind of procedure, usually according to a definite, established, logical, or systematic plan:
  the open-hearth method of making steel; one method of solving a problem.
  Mode is a more formal word that implies a customary or characteristic fashion of doing something:
  Kangaroos have a peculiar mode of carrying their young.
  Way, a word in popular use for the general idea, is equivalent to various more specific words:
  someone's way
  (manner) of walking; the best way (method) of rapid calculating; the way (mode) of holding a pen.
• 4. disposition.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

method / ˈmɛθəd/ noun

1. a way of proceeding or doing something, esp a systematic or regular one
2. orderliness of thought, action, etc
3. (often plural) the techniques or arrangement of work for a particular field or subject
4. any of several traditional sets of changes
   See major19

Etymology: 16th Century: via French from Latin methodus, from Greek methodos, literally: a going after, from meta- after + hodos way