methodical

[ 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

Derived Forms

• meˈthodicalness, noun
• meˈthodically, adverb

Other Words From

• me·thod·i·cal·ly adverb
• me·thod·i·cal·ness noun
• an·ti·me·thod·ic adjective
• an·ti·me·thod·i·cal adjective
• an·ti·me·thod·i·cal·ness noun
• non·me·thod·ic adjective
• non·me·thod·i·cal adjective
• non·me·thod·i·cal·ness noun
• pre·me·thod·i·cal adjective
• qua·si-me·thod·i·cal adjective
• un·me·thod·ic adjective
• un·me·thod·i·cal adjective
• un·me·thod·i·cal·ness 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

Herbert wove a complicated universe with oddball technologies, bizarre competing factions and religions that are easier to digest over the methodical consumption of hundreds of pages.

From Salon

He took a similarly methodical approach to dismantling the notion that the United States should continue to be a beacon for immigrants.

From Salon

But there is a sense they rely on such off-the-cuff improvisation, rather than the methodical working over and opening up of opponents.

From BBC

The EPA’s rulemaking is necessarily methodical, said Wheeler, and the process can take years.

From Salon

Mesloh believes Harris’ natural rhetorical style is more lawyerly, when she can deliver a methodical case as if cross-examining a witness in front of a jury.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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