If you describe someone as methodical, you mean that they do things carefully, thoroughly, and in order.
Da Vinci was methodical in his research, carefully recording his observations andtheories.
It seemed a sensible and methodical way of proceeding.
Synonyms: orderly, planned, ordered, structured More Synonyms of methodical
methodically (məθɒdɪkli)adverb [ADVERB with verb]
She methodically put the things into her suitcase.
methodical in British English
(mɪˈθɒdɪkəl) or less commonly methodic
adjective
characterized by method or orderliness; systematic
Derived forms
methodically (meˈthodically)
adverb
methodicalness (meˈthodicalness)
noun
methodical in American English
(məˈθɑdɪkəl)
adjective
characterized by method; orderly; systematic
: also meˈthodic
Derived forms
methodically (meˈthodically)
adverb
methodicalness (meˈthodicalness)
noun
Word origin
< LL methodicus < Gr methodikos + -al
Examples of 'methodical' in a sentence
methodical
You are ready to claim cash in the methodical way that gets results.
The Sun (2009)
He had a methodical approach that rubbed some of the corners off my more errant youthful ways.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
He will just demolish your argument in a very academic and methodical way.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
He seemed calm and very methodical.
The Sun (2007)
Some people will like the slow, methodical football.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It is better to be methodical in your approach: always finish stripping before filling any holes.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
There was a need for a calm and methodical approach, he said.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Some performed their roles admirably, seeking to challenge the evidence in a methodical way.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Armed with objective numbers, coaches can take a more methodical approach to designing training programmes.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Companies are more aware of the need to take a far more structured, methodical approach to recruitment.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
A diary works best if kept in a clear and methodical manner.
Colette Harris, With Theresa Cheung PCOS DIET BOOK: How you can use the nutritional approach to deal with polycysticovary syndrome (2002)
A methodical approach to fitness may not sound exciting but the results will be.
The Sun (2012)
But few MPs have the skills to do this in the expert and methodical way that modern government requires.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
His study is most successful in its detail, and his methodical research into the transatlantic commerce in emotional theories is particularly impressive.
The Times Literary Supplement (2014)
Making these dishes requires time for the preparation and for the flavours to settle in, which demands a gentle and methodical approach.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Initially it seems impossible to get more cash from your usual sources but your logical, methodical approach could inspire them to up the budget.
The Sun (2015)
It also suggests a methodical approach to life, which is why she'll be around for years to come.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
His reintroduction was quiet but effective, in his usual methodical and committed way, and he grew into the game.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
That if you approach a challenge in a methodical way, apply yourself and work hard, you can accomplish your goals.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
In other languages
methodical
British English: methodical ADJECTIVE
If you describe someone as methodical, you mean that they do things carefully, thoroughly, and in order.
He was methodical in his research, carefully recording his observations and theories.
American English: methodical
Brazilian Portuguese: metódico
Chinese: 有条不紊的
European Spanish: metódico
French: méthodique
German: methodisch
Italian: metodico
Japanese: きちょうめんな
Korean: 체계적인
European Portuguese: metódico
Latin American Spanish: metódico
Chinese translation of 'methodical'
methodical
(mɪˈθɔdɪkl)
adj
有条(條)不紊的 (yǒu tiáo bù wěn de)
(adjective)
Definition
careful, well-organized, and systematic
She was methodical in her research.
Synonyms
orderly
The vehicles were parked in orderly rows.
planned
ordered
structured
regular
an unfailingly regular procedure
disciplined
organized
Such people are very organized and excellent time managers.
efficient
a relatively cheap and efficient form of communication
precise
They speak very precise English.
neat
`It's not like Alf to leave a mess like that,' I remarked, `He's always so neat.'
deliberate
His movements were gentle and deliberate.
tidy
Having a tidy desk can sometimes seem impossible.
systematic
They went about their business in a systematic way.
meticulous
He was so meticulous about everything.
painstaking
Police carried out a painstaking search of the area.
businesslike
Mr Penn sounds quite businesslike.
well-regulated
Opposites
confused
,
disordered
,
disorderly
,
random
,
casual
,
chaotic
,
irregular
,
haphazard
,
unmethodical
Additional synonyms
in the sense of businesslike
Definition
efficient and methodical
Mr Penn sounds quite businesslike.
Synonyms
efficient,
professional,
practical,
regular,
correct,
organized,
routine,
thorough,
systematic,
orderly,
matter-of-fact,
methodical,
well-ordered,
workaday
in the sense of deliberate
Definition
careful and unhurried
His movements were gentle and deliberate.
Synonyms
careful,
measured,
slow,
cautious,
wary,
thoughtful,
prudent,
circumspect,
methodical,
unhurried,
heedful
in the sense of efficient
Definition
working or producing effectively without wasting effort, energy, or money
a relatively cheap and efficient form of communication
Synonyms
effective,
successful,
structured,
productive,
powerful,
systematic,
streamlined,
cost-effective,
methodical,
well-organized,
well-planned,
labour-saving,
effectual
Synonyms of 'methodical'
methodical
Explore 'methodical' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of meticulous
Definition
very precise about details
He was so meticulous about everything.
Synonyms
thorough,
detailed,
particular,
strict,
exact,
precise,
microscopic,
fussy,
painstaking,
perfectionist,
scrupulous,
fastidious,
punctilious,
nit-picky (informal)
in the sense of neat
Definition
clean and tidy
`It's not like Alf to leave a mess like that,' I remarked, `He's always so neat.'
Synonyms
methodical,
tidy,
systematic,
fastidious
in the sense of organized
Definition
orderly and efficient
Such people are very organized and excellent time managers.
Synonyms
methodical,
ordered,
efficient,
disciplined,
precise,
neat,
tidy,
systematic,
orderly,
meticulous,
businesslike
in the sense of painstaking
Definition
extremely careful and thorough
Police carried out a painstaking search of the area.
Synonyms
thorough,
careful,
meticulous,
earnest,
exacting,
strenuous,
conscientious,
persevering,
diligent,
scrupulous,
industrious,
assiduous,
thoroughgoing,
punctilious (formal),
sedulous
in the sense of precise
Definition
strict in observing rules or standards
They speak very precise English.
Synonyms
strict,
particular,
exact,
nice,
formal,
careful,
stiff,
rigid,
meticulous,
inflexible,
scrupulous,
fastidious,
prim,
puritanical,
finicky,
punctilious (formal),
ceremonious
in the sense of regular
Definition
according to a uniform principle, arrangement, or order
an unfailingly regular procedure
Synonyms
methodical,
set,
ordered,
formal,
steady,
efficient,
systematic,
orderly,
standardized,
dependable,
consistent
in the sense of systematic
Definition
following a fixed plan and done in an efficient and methodical way
They went about their business in a systematic way.