mode

method, mode, manner, way, fashion, system mean the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end. method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

• • effective teaching methods

mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

• • the preferred mode of transportation

manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive.

• • an odd manner of conducting

way is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words.

• • has her own way of doing things

fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something.

• • rushing about in his typical fashion

system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

• • a filing system

fashion, style, mode, vogue, fad, rage, craze mean the usage accepted by those who want to be up-to-date. fashion is the most general term and applies to any way of dressing, behaving, writing, or performing that is favored at any one time or place.

• • the current fashion

style often implies a distinctive fashion adopted by people of taste.

• • a media baron used to traveling in style

mode suggests the fashion of the moment among those anxious to appear elegant and sophisticated.

• • slim bodies are the mode at this resort

vogue stresses the wide acceptance of a fashion.

• • short skirts are back in vogue

fad suggests caprice in taking up or in dropping a fashion.

• • last year's fad is over

rage and craze stress intense enthusiasm in adopting a fad.

• • Cajun food was the rage nearly everywhere for a time
• • crossword puzzles once seemed just a passing craze but have lasted