procedural

Procedural is used to describe things that involve a specific procedure—a particular way of doing something, especially one that is usually repeated in the same way each time.

The word procedural is especially used in the context of formal, official procedures, such as those used in government and law. A procedural vote is typically one that is simply part of the process to move forward to a full and final vote on a matter. A procedural agreement is a kind of contract that governs how a collective bargaining process will be carried out.

Procedural can also be used as a noun to refer to a procedural drama—work of fiction, especially a TV show, that realistically portrays a kind of professional work. A common type of procedural is a police procedural. The popular show Law & Order is a procedural.

Example: This meeting is solely to deal with procedural matters—the debate on the actual issues will come later.

The first records of the word procedural come from the late 1800s. Its base word, procedure, comes from the French term procédure, which has the same meaning. It ultimately derives from the Latin verb prōcēdere, which means “to advance” and is also the basis of the verb proceed. The suffix -al is used to form adjectives.

A procedure is a way of proceeding—a way of taking action or completing a task—and procedural is used to describe things that follow procedures or that otherwise involve procedures. The word is typically used in the context of things done as part of a specific series of steps required to complete a process, such as a government vote or a legal proceeding.

What are some other forms related to procedural?

• procedurally (adverb)
• procedure (noun)

What are some words that share a root or word element with procedural?

• procedural agreement
• police procedural
• proceed

What are some words that often get used in discussing procedural?

• protocol
• rules
• vote
• change
• measure
• matter
• action
• process
• routine
• drama
• police
• legal

The word procedural often describes things that are done as part of a very specific plan or set of rules. For that reason, it’s often used in serious contexts.

Far too many procedural, ceremonial steps are needed to finalize the Presidential election. I propose a 3 step process:

1) Vote
2) Count Votes
3) Done

— Ron Shillman (@shillman1) January 1, 2021

I think it's worth noting the chair of the county council is not some all powerful legislative wizard. If they lack three other votes, they don't have power to pass anything engendering controversy. They can assign bills to be heard at committee and other procedural matters.

— Jason Rosenbaum (@jrosenbaum) January 5, 2021

GOP senator's support means #ENDA now has 60 votes needed to clear procedural hurdles in Senate http://t.co/m1tOjqUgwE

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 4, 2013

Is procedural used correctly in the following sentence? 

I’m a big fan of procedurals—I like to see how things work behind the scenes.