systematic

adjective

sys·​tem·​at·​ic ˌsi-stə-ˈma-tik How to pronounce systematic (audio)
1
: relating to or consisting of a system
2
: presented or formulated as a coherent body of ideas or principles
systematic thought
3
a
: methodical in procedure or plan
a systematic approach
a systematic scholar
b
: marked by thoroughness and regularity
systematic efforts
4
: of, relating to, or concerned with classification
specifically : taxonomic
systematically adverb
systematicness noun
Systematic and Systemic: Usage Guide

Systematic and systemic both come from system. Systematic is the more common word; it most often describes something that is done according to a system or method

a systematic approach to learning that involves carefully following the program's steps

Systemic describes what relates to or affects an entire system. For example, a systemic disease affects the entire body or organism, and systemic changes to an organization have an impact on the entire organization, including its most basic operations.

Examples of systematic in a Sentence

We used a systematic approach to solve the problem. She made a systematic study of the evidence. the systematic production of cars
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Challengers assume these errors are not routine discrepancies but evidence of systematic voter fraud and a shadowy plot to foil the presidential election. Caroline Haskins, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024 According to one systematic review, breathing exercises can help people with asthma improve their quality of life, lung function, and hyperventilation symptoms.11 Are There Any Downsides to Deep Breathing? Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024 The exercise was part of the navy's annual training plan aimed at honing what the Chinese Defense Ministry called the joint operation capability of both carrier strike groups' personnel and improving their systematic combat strength. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 The process begins with a fact-finding investigation, uncovering evidence of systematic use-of-force problems and/or racial discrimination. Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for systematic 

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin systematicus, from Greek systēmatikos, from systēmat-, systēma

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of systematic was in 1666

Dictionary Entries Near systematic

Cite this Entry

“Systematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/systematic. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

systematic

adjective
sys·​tem·​at·​ic ˌsis-tə-ˈmat-ik How to pronounce systematic (audio)
1
: relating to or forming a system
systematic thought
2
: presented or worked out as a system
3
: carried out or acting with thoroughness or regularity
systematic efforts
systematically adverb

Medical Definition

systematic

adjective
sys·​tem·​at·​ic ˌsis-tə-ˈmat-ik How to pronounce systematic (audio)
: of, relating to, or concerned with classification
specifically : taxonomic
systematically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on systematic

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