method
gb/mˈɛθəd/ us/mˈɛθəd/
B1
English
~ 600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
A planned way of doing something
A way of doing something that is planned and organized.
Usage pattern:
a method of [doing something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'method' with 'tool' or 'device'; a method is a way of doing, not the object used.
Synonyms
approach (Focuses on the overall style or attitude toward a task rather than the detailed steps.)
|
technique (Emphasizes skill or specialized ability in carrying out a task.)
Antonyms
disorganization (Lack of a planned or systematic way of doing something.)
Collocations
teaching method
|research method
|scientific method
|effective method
|trial-and-error method
Themes
work
|science
|education
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We need to find a better method for cleaning the data.
- Her teaching method engages students actively in discussions.
- Scientists used a new method to measure the chemical reaction.
- This method saves both time and money.
- The company is testing several methods to improve efficiency.
Learner examples
- This is a good method to learn English.
- I use a special method to remember names.
- We need a new method to clean the house.
- He showed me his method for cooking rice.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
2
Function in programming
In computer programming, a set of instructions that belongs to an object and does something.
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'method' with 'variable'; variables store data, methods perform actions.
Synonyms
function (A more general term for any callable code block; not necessarily tied to an object.)
Collocations
call a method
|define a method
|override a method
Themes
technology
|computing
Examples
- The developer wrote a new method to process user input.
- You can override this method to change the default behavior.
- This class contains several methods for handling data.
Learner examples
- I will write a method to print the list.
- This method changes the color of the text.
- We can call the method from another class.
Grammar
Dictionary form
method
IPA
GB/mˈɛθəd/
US/mˈɛθəd/
Syllables & stress
meth - od (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (meth)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: method
- Plural: method, methods
Word family
Forms
methods
noun
Core family
methodical
adjective B2
methodically
adverb
Advanced or less common
methodology
noun C1
methodological
adjective C1
Negative and opposite forms
unmethodical
adjective
Expressions
by method
1/bˈaɪ mˈɛθəd/
fixed phrase
formal
In an orderly, systematic way
Doing something in a planned and organized way.
Examples
- He approached the problem by method rather than guesswork.
- The project was completed by method and careful planning.
scientific method
1/sˌaɪəntˈɪfɪk mˈɛθəd/
fixed phrase
Systematic process for scientific inquiry
A careful way of finding out about things by asking questions, making guesses, and testing them with experiments.
Examples
- The scientific method is essential for reliable research results.
- Students learned how to apply the scientific method in their experiments.
scientific method
2/sˌaɪəntˈɪfɪk mˈɛθəd/
fixed phrase
technical
Systematic process for science
A step-by-step way to find answers in science, using tests and observations.
Examples
- The scientific method involves forming a hypothesis and testing it.
- Students learned about the scientific method in their first lab session.