procedurally
/prəˈsiː.dʒə.rə.li/ IELTSAcademic
adverb
In a way that follows a fixed process, rule, or set of steps. It often describes how something is done in law, government, business, or technical work.
- The case was procedurally delayed.
- We must handle this procedurally, not emotionally.
- The committee acted procedurally correct.
Adinary Nuance
Procedurally is close to "legally" and "formally," but it points to the steps or process being followed. It is less about law itself than about whether the correct process was used. In writing, it often sounds more technical and formal than everyday alternatives like "by procedure" or "in a proper way."
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- theo thủ tục
- Spanish
- procesalmente
- Chinese
- 程序上
- Japanese
- 手続き上
- Korean
- 절차상
Etymology
From procedural, formed from procedure, which came into English from French and ultimately Latin. The adverb appeared in modern English as a formal way to mean “according to procedure.”
Common phrases
procedurally correctprocedurally soundprocedurally unfairprocedurally delayed
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is procedurally a common word in everyday English?
- No, it is more common in formal, legal, academic, and technical writing.
- What is the difference between procedurally and legally?
- Procedurally means “by the correct steps.” Legally means “by the law.”
- Can I use procedurally in business writing?
- Yes, especially when you talk about process, compliance, or official steps.