method

Where does the word "method" come from? It comes from Greek methodos, passing through Latin before entering English (1400s).

Method’s story begins in Greek: methodos meant “pursuit of knowledge.” 'meta', after, plus 'hodos', way: following a path. By ancient, the word had taken hold in Latin as methodus. Used in medicine for a systematic way of treatment. It reached English by 1400s as method. 'Methodist' began as a nickname for a methodical Oxford student group in 1729. Today, method means a particular way of doing something.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient methodos "pursuit of knowledge", 'meta', after, plus 'hodos', way: following a path.
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient methodus "way of teaching", used in medicine for a systematic way of treatment.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1400s method "systematic procedure", 'Methodist' began as a nickname for a methodical Oxford student group in 1729.