Methodical

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /mɪˈθɑdɪkəl/

Definitions

1. Demonstrating a systematic and disciplined approach to tasks
2. Displaying a systematic and organized way of performing tasks
3. Characterized by careful, step-by-step procedures and a well-organized approach to handling tasks

Etymology: The Greek root behind this word originally carried a sense of cunning. "Methodikos" in ancient Greek described someone who went about things by rule, systematically, but it could also suggest craftiness, a person who worked by a clever plan. The sense of plodding orderliness came later, as the idea of working by a set procedure took over. The Greek noun "methodos" was built from "meta" (after, along) and "hodos" (way, path), so it literally meant a pursuit or a way of going after something. From that noun came the adjective "methodikos," which passed into Latin and then into English as an adjective with the added "-al" ending, giving us "methodical" and its sense of doing things in a planned, orderly sequence.

Synonyms: systematic, organized, orderly, logical, structured

Antonyms: chaotic, disorganized, haphazard, random, unstructured