method

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A particular way of doing something, usually with a clear series of steps.

   Grammar: Has a plural: different methods. Follows of or for.

   Patterns

   • a method of doing something
   • a method for doing something

   This is a quick method of making bread.

   The teacher tried a new method for teaching fractions.

   Scientists use different methods to test the idea.

2. 2noununcountable

   A careful, orderly way of thinking or working.

   Grammar: No plural here: there is method in it.

   Patterns

   • with method

   She works with method and never rushes.

   There is method in his messy desk.

   The investigation lacked method.

3. 3nouncountablecomputing

   In object-oriented programming, a function that belongs to an object or class.

   Grammar: Countable: call a method.

   Patterns

   • call a method

   The class has a method that returns the total.

   You can call the method from the main program.

   She wrote a method to sort the list.

Word forms

Common combinations

teaching method

The school tried a new teaching method.

method of payment

Choose a method of payment.

scientific method

The scientific method relies on testing ideas.

a reliable method

We need a reliable method to measure it.

method acting

He is known for method acting.

method for

This is the best method for removing stains.

Synonyms and how they differ

technique

Focuses on skill in carrying out a task.

approach

A broader attitude toward a problem, less step-by-step.

procedure

A fixed series of steps, often official.

system

Suggests an organized set of connected parts.

Opposites

Word family

methodical adjective

done in an orderly way

methodology noun

the set of methods used in a field

methodically adverb

in an organized way

Commonly confused: method or methodology?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “method”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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