Meaning & use
methodically
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Meanings
adverbcomparable
In an organized way, doing things one step at a time according to a clear plan.
Grammar: Usually follows the verb or comes before it: worked methodically.
Patterns
- work methodically
- search methodically
The detective methodically searched each room.
She methodically checked every number in the spreadsheet.
They worked methodically through the list of repairs.
adverbcomparable
In a calm, regular way that follows a fixed habit or routine.
Grammar: Often describes habits and movements: he methodically stacked the plates.
He methodically folded his clothes every night.
The gardener methodically pruned each rose bush.
Word forms
| comparative | more methodically |
|---|---|
| superlative | most methodically |
Common combinations
- work methodically
- If you work methodically, you will find the fault.
- proceed methodically
- The team proceeded methodically from room to room.
- check methodically
- The pilot checked the controls methodically.
- search methodically
- Police searched the field methodically.
- methodically planned
- The trip was methodically planned months ahead.
Synonyms and how they differ
- systematically
- Systematically stresses following a complete system, while methodically stresses careful step-by-step working.
- carefully
- Carefully only means with attention, not necessarily following an ordered plan.
- meticulously
- Meticulously highlights extreme attention to small details, which methodically does not require.
- orderly
- Orderly describes things arranged neatly, and as an adverb it is rare compared with methodically.
Opposites
Word family
- method noun
- a way of doing something
- methodical adjective
- done in an orderly way
- methodology noun
- the set of methods used in a field
- methodicalness noun
- the quality of being orderly
Commonly confused: methodically or methodologically?
methodically vs methodologically
Methodologically relates to the methods used in research, while methodically describes orderly action.
Practice
Instead of rushing, the technician ___ tested each circuit in order.
Choose one answer.
Methodically means in an orderly, step-by-step way, which matches testing in order. The other adverbs all suggest a lack of planning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “methodically”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.