Word
methodical
Phoneticsme·thod·i·cal, stress on the second syllable
US/məˈθɑdəkəɫ/
UK/mɛθˈɒdɪkəl/
Definition
adj. doing things in a very careful and organized way. You use this to describe someone who follows a clear plan to make sure they do not miss anything.
adj. characterised by ordered and systematic habits or procedures. Often used to describe a person's work ethic or a specific process that follows a logical sequence.
Examples
“She is very methodical when she cleans the kitchen.”
“The detective was methodical in his search, checking every drawer and corner of the room for evidence.”
“A methodical approach to data entry significantly reduces the likelihood of clerical errors that could compromise the entire research project.”
Examples
simple
“She is very methodical when she cleans the kitchen.”
contextual
“The detective was methodical in his search, checking every drawer and corner of the room for evidence.”
complex
“A methodical approach to data entry significantly reduces the likelihood of clerical errors that could compromise the entire research project.”
Usage
Typically used to describe people or their working methods; often carries a positive connotation of reliability.
Real-World Examples
“Throughout the day she was methodical and quite controlled and organized.” Etymology
From Ancient Greek μεθοδικός (methodikós, “going to work by rule, systematic, crafty”) + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/methodical