adjective
C1
Advanced
methodical
mih-THAH-dih-kuhl
Methodical (adjective) means Done in a careful, orderly, step-by-step way. Example: “The detective took a methodical approach to solving the case.”
adjective
1
Done in a careful, orderly, step-by-step way.
"The detective took a methodical approach to solving the case."
"She is very methodical when it comes to packing for a trip."
How to use methodical
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOrganized, careful, and systematic rather than random or rushed.
Common pairings
methodical approach
methodical process
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more methodical
- Superlative
- most methodical
Fill the gap
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The detective took a _____ approach to solving the case.
Etymology
From Greek methodikos ("systematic") + the suffix -al.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for methodical
See all rhymes for methodical →Frequently asked questions
What does “methodical” mean?
The word “methodical” means done in a careful, orderly, step-by-step way. In plain terms, organized, careful, and systematic rather than random or rushed.
How do you pronounce “methodical”?
“Methodical” is pronounced mih-THAH-dih-kuhl (/mɪˈθɑdɪkəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “methodical” in a sentence?
Here is “methodical” used in a sentence: “The detective took a methodical approach to solving the case.”
What is another word for “methodical”?
Words with a similar meaning to “methodical” include systematic, codified, orderly, regular, scientific and systemative.
What is the opposite of “methodical”?
The opposite of “methodical” — its antonyms — are asystematic, desultory, flounderish, haphazard and unmethodical.
What part of speech is “methodical”?
“Methodical” is an adjective.
Where does the word “methodical” come from?
The word “methodical” comes from Greek. From Greek methodikos ("systematic") + the suffix -al.
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