Origin: Greek suffix -ist
Methodist has 5 different meanings across 2 categories:
a follower of Wesleyanism as practiced by the Methodist Church
"After years of debate, the congregation finally agreed to appoint him as their new methodist pastor."
A member of the Methodist Church; a Wesleyan.
"The student adopted a strict routine, proving that he was truly a methodist in his approach to studying."
One who follows a method.
In plain English: A methodist is someone who belongs to a Christian church group that focuses on following practical rules and personal faith rather than just strict traditions.
"The new methodist led us to find our way back through the forest with ease."
Of or pertaining to the branch of Christianity that descends from the religious societies overseen by Wesley (1703-1791) among others.
"The new convert attended a Methodist church service where hymns and sermons emphasized personal faith and social justice."
In plain English: Methodist describes something related to John Wesley's group of Christian churches that focus on personal faith and practical living.
"The methodist approach to organizing their study notes helped them ace the exam."
The word methodist combines method with the suffix -ist. It was first used to describe followers of John Wesley's religious movement known as Methodism.