methodical
/məˈθɒdɪkl/ (bre, ipa) · /məˈθɑːdɪkl/ (ame, ipa) · /mə-ˈthä-di-kəl/ (ame, mw)
methodical — adjective
- methodicalpositive
- more methodicalcomparative
- most methodicalsuperlative
1. A methodical person always plans their actions carefully and follows a clear sys
A methodical person always plans their actions carefully and follows a clear system, so that nothing is forgotten or left to chance.
Mei-Lin is a methodical researcher who reads every relevant paper before starting an experiment.
collocation: methodical researcher / methodical worker
Diego kept methodical notes on every patient he treated during his first year as a nurse.
As a methodical accountant, Amara double-checks each number before sending out a report.
Yuki's methodical approach to studying helped her pass every exam with top marks.
- systematic
emphasises following a defined system rather than personal habit
- organized
slightly less formal; focuses on efficient arrangement of tasks and items
- disciplined
stresses self-control and consistent effort rather than external order
- meticulous
stresses extreme attention to detail, not just orderliness
- disorganized
lacking order or system
- chaotic
completely without structure or plan
- careless
not paying enough attention; making mistakes due to haste
文法句型
methodical + noun (person/role)
be + methodical
methodical about + noun/gerund
用法筆記
Frequently used to describe a person's characteristic style of working or thinking. The subject is typically introduced by a role noun (researcher, accountant, teacher, nurse) rather than a bare personal name.
常見錯誤
2. When an action or task is methodical, it is carried out according to a clear pla
When an action or task is methodical, it is carried out according to a clear plan with every step done in the right order and nothing skipped.
The firefighters carried out a methodical search of the building, checking every room one by one.
collocation: methodical search / methodical investigation
Dr. Patel gave the patient a methodical explanation of the treatment, covering each stage slowly.
The police conducted a methodical investigation and interviewed every witness at least twice.
Restoring the old wooden floor was a slow, methodical process that took the whole month.
- orderly
focuses on neat arrangement rather than a step-by-step plan
- structured
emphasises having a clear framework rather than the execution
- systematic
works for both senses; stresses adherence to a system
- precise
stresses accuracy and exactness rather than order of steps
- haphazard
done without any plan or order
- disorderly
lacking neat arrangement or logical sequence
- random
done without aim, pattern, or reason
文法句型
methodical + noun (action/process)
be + methodical
in a methodical + noun
用法筆記
Common with nouns that describe investigations, searches, analyses, or any multi-step procedure. Distinguish from sense 1: here the adjective modifies the task itself, not the person doing it. 'A methodical search' (sense 2) vs 'a methodical librarian' (sense 1).