'methodically-altered' originates from the combination of 'methodically' and 'altered'. 'Methodically' comes from the Greek word 'methodikos', meaning 'systematic', and 'altered' comes from the Latin word 'alterare', meaning 'to change'.

'methodically' evolved from the Greek 'methodikos' through Latin 'methodicus', and 'altered' evolved from Latin 'alterare' through Old French 'alterer'.

Initially, 'methodically' meant 'in a systematic way', and 'altered' meant 'changed'. Together, they convey the idea of systematic change.