procedure
gb/pɹoʊsˈid͡ʒɚ/ us/pɹoʊsˈid͡ʒɚ/
B1
English
~ 1000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
official steps to do something
A set of steps you must follow to do something in the correct way.
Usage pattern:
follow [a/the] procedure
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'procedure' with 'process'; 'procedure' usually refers to an official or standard set of steps, while 'process' can be more general.
Synonyms
process (A general term for a series of actions, not necessarily formal or official.)
|
protocol (More formal and often used in professional, scientific, or diplomatic contexts.)
Antonyms
improvisation (Doing something without a planned or established set of steps.)
Collocations
follow procedure
|safety procedure
|standard procedure
|emergency procedure
|legal procedure
Themes
workplace
|law
|healthcare
|administration
|work
Examples
- The company has a strict procedure for handling customer complaints.
- Before surgery, the medical team follows a detailed safety procedure.
- You must follow the proper procedure to apply for a visa.
- The evacuation procedure was explained to all employees.
- This is standard procedure in most government offices.
Learner examples
- We follow a procedure to clean the machines.
- The teacher showed us the procedure for the science experiment.
- You must follow the safety procedure in the lab.
- This is the normal procedure for getting a passport.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
2
medical operation or treatment
A medical action done by doctors to help or fix a health problem.
Usage pattern:
perform [a] procedure
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'procedure' with 'surgery'; 'procedure' can include non-surgical medical actions as well.
Synonyms
operation (Commonly used for surgical interventions; may imply a larger or more complex action.)
|
treatment (A broader term that includes non-surgical care.)
Antonyms
nonintervention (Choosing not to carry out any medical action.)
Collocations
surgical procedure
|medical procedure
|minor procedure
|undergo a procedure
Themes
healthcare
|medicine
|health
|science
Examples
- The patient underwent a minor surgical procedure.
- This new procedure can help diagnose heart disease earlier.
- The doctor explained the risks before starting the procedure.
- She is recovering well after the dental procedure.
Learner examples
- The doctor will do a small medical procedure.
- He had a procedure on his knee.
- The dentist did a quick procedure to fix my tooth.
- She had a heart procedure last year.
Noun
formal
B2
entity
3
usual way of doing something
The normal way people do something in an organization or group.
Synonyms
custom (Implies long-standing tradition rather than formal rules.)
|
practice (Regular way of doing things; may be formal or informal.)
Antonyms
deviation (An act of doing something differently from the usual way.)
Collocations
normal procedure
|usual procedure
|standard operating procedure
Themes
workplace
|customs
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- It's normal procedure to check identification before entry.
- Our office has its own internal procedures for handling mail.
- This is the usual procedure when hiring new staff.
Learner examples
- It is normal procedure to wash your hands before cooking.
- The usual procedure here is to sign in first.
- They have a different procedure for new workers.
Grammar
Dictionary form
procedure
IPA
GB/pɹoʊsˈid͡ʒɚ/
US/pɹoʊsˈid͡ʒɚ/
Syllables & stress
pro - ced - ure (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ced)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: procedure
- Plural: procedure, procedures
Word family
Forms
procedures
noun
Core family
procedural
adjective C1
proceed
verb B1
Advanced or less common
procedurally
adverb
Expressions
as a matter of procedure
1/ˈæz ə mˈætɚ əv pɹoʊsˈid͡ʒɚ/
fixed phrase
formal
because of following official rules
Done because it is part of the official rules, not because someone wants to.
Examples
- We ask for ID as a matter of procedure, even if we know you.
- As a matter of procedure, the motion will be voted on first.
go through the proper channels
1/ɡˈoʊ θɹˈu ðə pɹˈɑpɚ t͡ʃˈænəlz/
idiom
follow correct official steps
To do something by following the correct official process in an organization.
Examples
- You'll need to go through the proper channels to get approval.
- He didn't go through the proper channels, so his request was denied.
standard operating procedure
1/stˈændɚd ˈɑpɚˌeɪtɪŋ pɹoʊsˈid͡ʒɚ/
fixed phrase
established method for routine tasks
The official and usual way to do regular work or tasks.
Examples
- Wearing safety goggles is standard operating procedure in this lab.
- Following standard operating procedures helps prevent mistakes.