methodical

Rarely me·thod·ic

[muh-thod-i-kuhl]

adjective

1. performed, disposed, or acting in a systematic way; systematic; orderly.

   a methodical person.

   Synonyms: precise, regular

2. painstaking, especially slow and careful; deliberate.

methodical

/ mɪˈθɒdɪkəl /

adjective

1. characterized by method or orderliness; systematic

Other Word Forms

• methodically adverb
• methodicalness noun
• antimethodic adjective
• antimethodical adjective
• antimethodicalness noun
• nonmethodic adjective
• nonmethodical adjective
• nonmethodicalness noun
• premethodical adjective
• quasi-methodical adjective
• unmethodic adjective
• unmethodical adjective
• unmethodicalness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of methodical¹

First recorded in 1560–70; methodic, from Latin methodic(us) or directly from Greek methodikós; method, -ic + -al ¹

Synonym Study

See orderly.

Example Sentences

Between May and September, the Navy “further investigated the test results and conducted a methodical review of the laboratory’s procedures and practices to ensure they complied with standards,” according to the Navy spokesperson.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The detective he portrayed in The Missing, known and loved by viewers for his methodical crime-solving skills, landed him a second series, followed by two series of a spin-off, Baptiste.

Read more on BBC

The coach's approach is consistent with the way he was as a player: methodical, controlled and, on top of that, he has the personality to be unafraid of confrontation.

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He’s bullish and impatient, she’s flexible and methodical.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Adjustments in award amounts follow a methodical, risk-informed analysis with the goal of ensuring that every dollar spent yields the maximum benefit for the American people.”

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• analytical 
• businesslike 
• careful 
• deliberate 
• disciplined 
• efficient 
• meticulous 
• orderly 
• painstaking 
• precise 
• scrupulous 
• structured 
• systematic