methodically

methodically — adverb

1. doing something in a careful, organized way by following a clear plan or system,

1.adverbB2
Definition

doing something in a careful, organized way by following a clear plan or system, one step at a time, to make sure each part is done correctly.

Example

Diego methodically arranged his bookshelf by genre and author.

methodically + verb of organizing

The librarian methodically checked each book before returning it to the shelf.

Common collocations
  • work methodically
  • methodically check
  • methodically search
  • methodically organize
  • methodically clean
Synonyms
  • systematically

    very close in meaning; systematically emphasizes following a defined system, while methodically also suggests careful attention to each step

  • carefully

    broader; carefully can mean with general attention, while methodically implies a plan and step-by-step order

  • logically

    focuses on reasoning rather than the step-by-step action itself

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

methodically + verb

verb + methodically

Usage Note

Typically placed between the subject and the main verb (subject + methodically + verb). Avoid using it without a following verb — as an adverb, it must modify an action. Common with verbs of organizing, cleaning, searching, checking, and examining.

Common Mistakes

She works methodical.
She works methodically.
methodical is the adjective form; use methodically to modify a verb.
He did it a methodical way.
He did it in a methodical way.
when using methodical as an adjective, the preposition in a is required.
The plan is methodically.
The plan was made methodically.
methodically is an adverb and needs a verb to modify; it cannot stand after be alone.

Word family

  • method
    nounA2
  • methodical
    adjectiveB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Methodically and systematically are the closest pair — both describe actions following a plan, but methodically emphasizes step-by-step thoroughness, while systematically suggests a larger, overarching system or method. Carefully is broader and can describe any cautious action, even without a plan (e.g., carefully holding a fragile vase). Logically focuses on reasoning and the order of ideas rather than physical actions. Diligently adds the idea of steady effort and persistence — you can work diligently without a clear system, but methodically always implies a structured approach. For example: 'The detective methodically examined each piece of evidence' (step by step, on purpose) versus 'The detective carefully bagged the fragile evidence' (delicate attention, not necessarily following a system).

systematicallycarefully ↗logicallydiligently

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

Comes from the Greek word methodos, meaning 'pursuit of knowledge' or 'way of doing something'. This passed into Latin as methodus, then into French as méthode, and finally into English as method. The suffix -ical turns it into an adjective (methodical), and -ly turns the adjective into an adverb (methodically). So methodically literally means 'in a way that follows a method'.