methodological
|meth-o-dol-o-gi-cal|
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/ˌmɛθəˈdɑːlədʒɪkəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌmɛθəˈdɒlədʒɪk(ə)l/
in a systematic way
Etymology
'methodological' originates from Greek via Latin and modern English formation: from 'method' + suffix '-logical' (from Greek 'logos' meaning 'study' or 'reason').
'method' comes from Medieval Latin 'methodus' (from Greek 'methodos' where 'meta-' meant 'after' or 'with' and 'hodos' meant 'way, journey'), and English formed 'methodology' and then 'methodological' (19th century) by adding the adjectival suffix '-ical' to 'methodology'.
Initially connected to the idea of a 'way' or 'pursuit' (Greek 'methodos'), the term evolved to mean 'relating to systems or procedures for doing something' and now specifically 'pertaining to methods or methodology'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to the methods or procedures used in a particular field of study or activity.
The team discussed the methodological issues that might affect the validity of the study.
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Adjective 2
characterized by a careful, planned, and systematic way of working (i.e., showing a methodical approach).
She took a methodological approach to cataloguing the specimens to avoid errors.
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Last updated: 2025/10/23 23:06