ENGLISH
REFERENCE

methodical

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //məˈθɑdəkəɫ// UK //mɛθˈɒdɪkəl// me·thod·i·cal

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.


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.

Origin

From Ancient Greek μεθοδικός (methodikós, “going to work by rule, systematic, crafty”) + -al.

Usage

Typically used to describe people or their working methods; often carries a positive connotation of reliability.

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