methodical
gb/məθˈɑdɪkəl/ us/məθˈɑdɪkəl/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
systematic and carefully planned
done in a careful, organized way
Usage pattern:
a methodical [approach/process/investigation]; do [something] in a methodical way
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse methodical (careful and systematic) with methodological (related to methods in research).
Synonyms
systematic (Emphasizes following a system or plan.)
|
organized (Emphasizes good arrangement and order.)
|
thorough (Emphasizes covering details completely.)
|
orderly (Emphasizes neat, controlled sequence.)
Antonyms
haphazard (Done without a plan or order.)
|
random (Not guided by a clear pattern or logic.)
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chaotic (Marked by confusion and lack of control.)
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disorganized (Lacking structure or order.)
Collocations
methodical approach
|methodical process
|methodical investigation
|methodical research
|methodical planning
|methodical way
|methodical manner
|methodical steps
|methodical analysis
|methodical review
Themes
education
|work
|planning
Examples
- The police conducted a methodical search of the building, room by room.
- She took a methodical approach to studying, reviewing one topic each day.
- The engineer worked through the checklist in a methodical way.
Learner examples
- He is methodical in his work.
- We need a methodical plan.
adjective
B2
property
2
habitually organized and careful
a person who does things carefully and in order
Usage pattern:
[someone] is methodical; a methodical [person/worker/thinker]
Common mistake:
Methodical often suggests careful order, not necessarily speed; it can be slow but steady.
Synonyms
meticulous (Stronger focus on small details and precision.)
|
disciplined (Emphasizes self-control and consistency.)
|
careful (More general; not always systematic.)
Antonyms
impulsive (Acts suddenly without planning.)
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scatterbrained (Has difficulty being organized or focused.)
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careless (Lacks attention and caution.)
Collocations
methodical person
|methodical worker
|methodical thinker
|methodical colleague
|methodical student
|methodical accountant
|methodical manager
|methodical temperament
|methodical nature
|methodical style
Themes
personality
|work
Examples
- He’s methodical, so he rarely makes the same mistake twice.
- As a methodical planner, she keeps timelines and backup options for every project.
- My lab partner is methodical and writes down every measurement.
Learner examples
- She is methodical and organized.
- My teacher is very methodical.
Grammar
Dictionary form
methodical
IPA
GB/məθˈɑdɪkəl/
US/məθˈɑdɪkəl/
Syllables & stress
meth - od - ic - al (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (od)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: methodical
Word family
Core family
method
noun B1
methodically
adverb
Related words
methodology
noun C1
methodological
adjective C1
Negative and opposite forms
unmethodical
adjective
Advanced or less common
methodologically
adverb C1
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.