method
Meaning
A particular way of doing something, especially a systematic or established one.
Orderliness of thought or behavior; systematic planning or arrangement.
Structure
Usage
The scientist developed a new method for analyzing the data.
There's method in his apparent madness; his actions are carefully calculated.
Traditional teaching methods are being supplemented with digital tools.
Etymology
The word 'method' entered English in the 15th century from Latin methodus, which itself was borrowed from Greek methodos (literally 'pursuit after knowledge', 'following a way'). The Greek term was a compound of meta- (here implying 'following after' or 'pursuit') and hodos (a road, path, or way). This literal sense of 'a path of inquiry' or 'a way of pursuit' evolved in scholarly and philosophical contexts to denote a systematic procedure for investigating truth or accomplishing a task. Over time, the meaning generalized to refer to any systematic, orderly, or prescribed way of doing something, emphasizing the logical sequence inherent in following a defined path.
Analysis
- meth: From Greek meta- (in the sense of 'after, beyond, pursuit of'), via Latin meta-. - od: From Greek hodos (way, road, journey, path), via Latin odus.