methodical
/məˈθɒd.ɪ.kəl/Doing things in a careful, step-by-step way, following a clear plan or order. A methodical person does not rush or skip steps — they move through a task in a calm, organised sequence.
- She took a methodical approach to solving the chemistry problem.
- The doctor carried out a methodical examination of the patient.
- He packed his bags in a methodical way, checking each item off a list.
Adinary Nuance
"Methodical" is often used interchangeably with "systematic," "meticulous," and "thorough," but each word has a slightly different focus. "Systematic" describes following a formal framework or procedure — it sounds more institutional and is often applied to processes, not people. "Meticulous" is about extreme attention to tiny details and accuracy, not the order of steps. "Thorough" means doing something completely without leaving anything out, but a thorough person may not follow a fixed sequence. "Methodical" specifically highlights a calm, step-by-step personal working style — it is the best choice when you want to describe someone who plans carefully and works through tasks in an orderly progression.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Có phương pháp
- Spanish
- Metódico
- Chinese
- 有条理的
- Japanese
- 几帳面な
- Korean
- 체계적인
Etymology
From Medieval Latin "methodicus," derived from Greek "methodikós," based on "methodos" meaning pursuit or way of investigation. The word entered English in the late 16th century and has kept its core sense of following an orderly method ever since.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'methodical' a positive word?
- Yes, almost always. It suggests careful, reliable work habits and is generally a compliment. In rare contexts, it can imply someone is slow or overly rigid, but this is not its default meaning.
- What is the difference between methodical and meticulous?
- 'Methodical' is about working in a step-by-step order; 'meticulous' is about paying very close attention to small details and accuracy. You can be methodical without being meticulous, and vice versa.
- Can 'methodical' describe a person as well as an action?
- Yes. You can say 'She is a methodical person' (describing a habit) or 'She took a methodical approach' (describing an action). Both uses are correct and common.
- Is 'methodical' good to use in IELTS writing?
- Yes. 'Methodical' is an academic and professional word that fits well in IELTS Task 1 and Task 2. It shows a strong vocabulary range without sounding overly literary or unusual.