Method

ˈmɛθəd

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

1

A planned or established way of doing something.

ˈmɛθəd

nounneutralBeginner
General

A particular procedure for accomplishing or approaching something, especially a systematic or established one.

The teacher demonstrated a new method for solving math problems.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a Lego castle. A method is like the step-by-step instructions you follow. It's a specific way of doing something, like building the walls before the roof!

👶 For kids: A method is a way to do something, like a recipe for cooking or the way you brush your teeth.

More Examples

2

There are several methods for improving your writing skills.

3

This is the standard method for processing complaints.

How It's Used

Science

"Scientists use the scientific method to test hypotheses."

Business

"The company developed a new sales method to increase revenue."

Education

"The teacher used a hands-on method to teach the students about gravity."

Idioms & expressions

There's a method to the madness

A seemingly chaotic situation actually has an underlying logic or plan.

"The artist's studio looked messy, but there was a method to the madness; he knew exactly where everything was."

From Old French *methode*, and directly from Latin *methodus*, from Ancient Greek *μέθοδος* (methodos, “pursuit, way of doing something”).

The word 'method' has been used in English since the late 16th century, initially referring to a way or manner of procedure. Its use has expanded over time to encompass systematic approaches in various fields.

Memory tip

Think of a *method* as a road map for getting something done.

methodemethid

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written