methodologically
UK[ˌmeθədəˈlɒdʒɪkli]US[ˌmeθədəˈlɑːdʒɪkli]
adv
In a way that relates to the system of methods and principles used in a particular discipline or field of activity.
adv
In a way that is characterized by a systematic, logical, and orderly approach.
Morpheme Breakdown
method
ological
ly
method
procedure
ological
relating to the study of
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word 'methodologically' is a modern English formation built upon the classical foundation of 'method'. Its core, 'method', originates from the Greek methodos, a compound of meta- (implying pursuit or following after) and hodos (a way, road, journey), thus literally 'a following after a way'. This concept of a systematic path was adopted into Latin as methodus and entered English, signifying a prescribed procedure. The addition of the Greek-derived suffix -logia (via the adjectival form -ological) transforms it into a field of study concerning systems of methods. Finally, the native English adverbial suffix -ly attaches, creating a term that describes an action performed in a manner consistent with the principles of such a systematic study.
Analysis
Structure: method (procedure) + ological (relating to the study of) + ly (adverb suffix)
- method: From Greek methodos 'pursuit, system', via Latin methodus. In this word, it functions as the base noun meaning a systematic procedure.
- ological: A combining form from Greek -logia 'study, discourse', via the adjectival suffix -ical (meaning 'relating to'). Here, it forms the adjective 'methodological', meaning 'relating to the study or system of methods'.
- ly: An Old English adverbial suffix meaning 'in a manner of'. It converts the adjective 'methodological' into an adverb.
Examples
The research was conducted methodologically to ensure the results were reproducible.
She approached the complex problem methodologically, breaking it down into discrete, testable steps.
Critics argued that while the paper was ambitious, it was not methodologically sound.