Method Means a Way After Something
A method is a systematic procedure. The Greek combines the words for after and a road.
A method is a systematic way of doing something. The Greek *methodos* combines *meta*, after or in pursuit of, with *hodos*, a road — a method is the road you follow in pursuit of something. That *hodos* also gives *exodus*, a going out, and *odometer*, which measures the road travelled.
- A systematic procedure. *A reliable method.*
- Orderliness. *There is method in it.*
- Method acting — a performance technique. *A method actor.*
- Methodology — the study of methods. *Research methodology.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | method | A proven method. |
| Plural | methods | Teaching methods. |
| Adjective | methodical | A methodical approach. |
| Noun | methodology | Sound methodology. |
| Related | exodus | A mass exodus. |
How it is used in a sentence
- There is method in his madness.Adapted from Hamlet.
- Methodology is the study of methods.Not a fancy word for method.
- Methodists were named for methodical devotion.Originally a nickname.
Words from *hodos*, a road
- Method — the road followed in pursuit
- Exodus — a going out
- Episode — originally an entry alongside
- Odometer — a measurer of road travelled
- Anode and cathode — the up-road and down-road, in electricity
From Latin *methodus*, from Greek *methodos*, a pursuit of knowledge, from *meta*, after, and *hodos*, a way.
Method or methodology?
A method is a way of doing something. A methodology is the study or system of methods, though the words are often confused.
Why are Methodists called that?
It began as a mocking nickname for the methodical devotional discipline of John Wesley's group at Oxford, and the name was adopted.