methodism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Religious, Academic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “methodism” mean?
The beliefs, practices, and system of organization of the Methodist Church, a Protestant Christian denomination emphasizing personal piety, methodical discipline, and social outreach.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The beliefs, practices, and system of organization of the Methodist Church, a Protestant Christian denomination emphasizing personal piety, methodical discipline, and social outreach.
By extension, can refer to any strict adherence to a prescribed method or system, implying regularity, order, and sometimes rigidity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As the birthplace of the movement, the term is deeply embedded in UK history and place names (e.g., Methodist chapels). In the US, it is a major Protestant tradition but with different historical development (e.g., the role of camp meetings).
Connotations
Similar religious connotations in both. The lower-case 'methodism' can carry a slightly stronger pejorative sense of fussy proceduralism in British English.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English due to historical and cultural prevalence; still common in US religious contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “methodism” in a Sentence
the Methodism of [place/period]a commitment to MethodismMethodism as a [force/movement]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “methodism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A (not used as a verb).
American English
- N/A (not used as a verb).
adverb
British English
- N/A (not used as a derived adverb).
- He worked methodically (related to 'method', not 'Methodism').
American English
- N/A (not used as a derived adverb).
- They organized the event methodically.
adjective
British English
- Methodist principles guided his life.
- It was a classic Methodist chapel.
American English
- She comes from a Methodist background.
- The Methodist church hosted a community supper.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in historical context of the 'Methodist work ethic' influencing business practices.
Academic
Common in theological, historical, and sociological studies of religion and social movements.
Everyday
Used when discussing personal faith, church affiliation, or historical topics.
Technical
Specific in theology and church history to denote the doctrines (e.g., Arminian theology, sanctification) and polity of the Methodist tradition.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “methodism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “methodism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “methodism”
- Capitalisation error: using lower-case for the religious denomination ('He follows methodism').
- Confusing it with general 'methodology'.
- Using it as a countable noun ('He has a strong methodism').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring specifically to the Protestant denomination, yes, it is a proper noun and should be capitalized (Methodism). When used in a general, often pejorative sense meaning 'excessive devotion to method', it can be in lower case (methodism).
Historically, Methodism originated as a revival movement within Anglicanism but separated over issues like the emphasis on personal conversion experience, lay preaching, and a different church governance structure. Doctrinally, classic Methodism is strongly Arminian, emphasizing that salvation is available to all, unlike the Calvinist tradition within some Anglican theology.
Yes, though it's less common. It can be used to describe a strict, orderly, and sometimes inflexible adherence to a particular method or system in areas like work, management, or daily routines, often with a slightly negative connotation.
Methodism was founded primarily by John Wesley (1703-1791), an Anglican cleric, along with his brother Charles Wesley and fellow preacher George Whitefield, in 18th-century England.
The beliefs, practices, and system of organization of the Methodist Church, a Protestant Christian denomination emphasizing personal piety, methodical discipline, and social outreach.
Methodism is usually formal, religious, academic, historical in register.
Methodism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛθədɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛθəˌdɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not commonly used in idiomatic phrases]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of METHOD-ism: a religion founded by John Wesley that emphasized a *methodical* approach to faith and living.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGION/IDEOLOGY IS A PATH (e.g., 'the path of Methodism', 'following Methodism'). PROCEDURE IS RELIGION (e.g., 'the methodism of his daily routine').
Practice
Quiz
In a non-religious, often critical context, what can 'methodism' imply?