1
Core quality
Done according to an organized, consistent, and methodical plan or procedure.
Example
The team conducted a systematic search of the archive.
systematic
/ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk/ · sis-tuh-MAT-ikadjective
Done according to an organized, consistent, and methodical plan or procedure.
Use systematic to express this relationship precisely: done according to an organized, consistent, and methodical plan or procedure.
What systematic Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
Systematic sampling reduced selection bias.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
A systematic approach made the complex task manageable.
Use systematic Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The team conducted a systematic search of the archive.
Systematic sampling reduced selection bias.
A systematic approach made the complex task manageable.
Precision Matters
Systematic overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
systematic
vs.Means done according to an organized, consistent, and methodical plan or procedure.
meticulous
Means extremely careful and precise.
systematic
vs.Means done according to an organized, consistent, and methodical plan or procedure.
haphazard
Means random, disorganised, and lacking a deliberate method.
systematic
vs.Means done according to an organized, consistent, and methodical plan or procedure.
heuristic
Means using a practical rule, shortcut, or exploratory method that aids discovery or problem-solving without guaranteeing a correct result.
systematic
vs.Means done according to an organized, consistent, and methodical plan or procedure.
sequential
Means following or arranged in a particular order, with one step, event, or item after another.
Test systematic in Context
The procedure follows an organized and consistent plan.
1
Rather than choosing files at random, the researchers used a ___ procedure and examined every tenth record.