Humble method saving time initially (6)
I believe the answer is:
modest
'humble' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'method saving time initially' is the wordplay.
'method' becomes 'mode' (way of doing something).
'initially' suggests taking the first letters.
The initial letters of 'saving time' is 'st'.
'mode'+'st'='MODEST'
(Other definitions for modest that I've seen before include "retiring" , "Not excessive in rating one's own achievements" , "Not vain, rather shy" , "Unassuming or unprententious" , "Simple, humble" .)