Procedure

Definition

The term "procedure" describes an established or official way of doing something, often involving a series of steps or actions.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prəˈsiː.dʒɚ/
• Respelling: pruh-SEE-jur

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prəˈsiː.dʒə/
• Respelling: pruh-SEE-juh

Etymology

The word "procedure" originates from the French "procédure," which in turn comes from the Latin "procedere," meaning "to go forward" or "to advance." The term entered English in the late Middle Ages, primarily in legal and administrative contexts.

Derivatives

• Procedural (adjective)
• Procedurally (adverb)
• Preprocedure (noun)
• Postprocedure (noun)
• Procedurist (noun)

Synonyms

• Method
• Process
• Routine

Antonyms

• Improvisation
• Chaos
• Disorder

Usage

The term "procedure" is commonly used in medical, legal, and administrative contexts to refer to systematic actions. For example, "The surgical procedure was successful" or "Follow the correct procedure to file your application."

Related Terms

• Protocol: A set of rules governing actions in specific contexts.
• Guideline: A general rule or principle providing direction.
• Operation: A planned series of actions to achieve a goal.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A systematic series of actions directed to an end: Refers to an organized method for accomplishing a task.
  • Example: "The company follows a strict hiring procedure."
• An official or established way of doing something: Refers to a formal process, particularly in professional or legal contexts.
  • Example: "Courtroom procedures must be adhered to at all times."
• A medical operation or treatment: Refers to a series of actions taken for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
  • Example: "The patient underwent a minimally invasive procedure."