Meaning & use
systematically
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Meanings
adverbnot comparable
In an organized way that follows a clear plan, step by step.
Grammar: Modifies a verb: they checked the files systematically.
Patterns
- work systematically
- systematically test something
The detectives searched the house systematically, room by room.
She systematically reviewed every application before the deadline.
Students should systematically record their results.
adverbnot comparableformal
On a regular, repeated basis, often as part of a deliberate policy, especially of something harmful.
Grammar: Often used before a verb with a negative meaning: systematically ignored.
Patterns
- systematically deny something
- systematically exclude someone
The report found that the workers had been systematically underpaid.
The group was systematically excluded from the discussions.
Evidence was systematically destroyed before the inquiry.
Common combinations
- systematically review
- The team systematically reviewed all of the evidence.
- work systematically
- If you work systematically, you will finish sooner.
- systematically ignore
- The warnings were systematically ignored.
- systematically organize
- He systematically organized the archive by date.
- systematically exclude
- The rules systematically excluded new applicants.
Synonyms and how they differ
- methodically
- Methodically stresses following a set method, and it is usually neutral or positive, while systematically can also describe harmful practices.
- thoroughly
- Thoroughly means completely, while systematically means in an orderly way, which may or may not be complete.
- routinely
- Routinely means as a normal habit, but it does not suggest a clear plan or system.
- consistently
- Consistently means in the same way every time, with no suggestion of an organized method.
Opposites
Word family
- system noun
- an organized set of parts or methods
- systematic adjective
- done according to a plan or system
- systematize verb
- to arrange in an organized system
- unsystematic adjective
- lacking order or method
Commonly confused: systematically or systemically?
systematically vs systemically
Systemically means affecting a whole body or a whole system, as in a systemic disease. Systematically means in an orderly way.
Practice
Rather than guessing where the fault was, the engineer ___ tested each part of the circuit in turn.
Choose one answer.
Testing each part in turn is an orderly, planned method, so systematically fits. Randomly, carelessly, and hastily all describe the opposite of a plan.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “systematically”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.