# systematic

/ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk/ (US) · /sˌɪstəmˈætɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/systematic
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. methodical and planned

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic

done according to a fixed plan or system so that nothing is missed.

For teachers: carried out according to a planned, ordered procedure to ensure thoroughness and consistency.

- The police conducted a systematic search of the building, checking every room one by one.
- The researchers employed a systematic approach to the data collection, ensuring that every variable was accounted for before the final analysis began.

### 2. chemical naming

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

using a standard set of rules to name chemicals.

For teachers: relating to or in accordance with generally recognized conventions for the naming of chemical compounds.

- Water has the systematic name 'oxidane', though almost nobody uses it in daily life.
- In organic chemistry, systematic nomenclature allows scientists to deduce the exact structure of a molecule simply from its written name.

### 3. biological classification

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

relating to how living things are grouped and named in science.

For teachers: relating to the classification of living organisms into a hierarchical system based on shared characteristics.

- The systematic study of plants helps us understand how different species are related.
- Recent systematic revisions in botany have moved several species into different genera based on new genetic evidence.

## Examples

- She did a systematic search of the house for her keys.
- The researchers conducted a systematic review of all existing studies to ensure their final report was completely accurate.
- The detective's systematic approach to the crime scene involved documenting every fingerprint and fiber in a grid pattern to avoid overlooking any piece of evidence.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.