methodology

English Online Dictionary. What means methodology‎? What does methodology mean?

English

Etymology

From French méthodologie. By surface analysis, method +‎ -ology.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˌmɛθ.əˈdɒl.ə.d͡ʒi/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˌmɛθ.əˈdɑ.lə.d͡ʒi/, /ˌmɛθ.ɪˈdɑ.lɪ.d͡ʒi/

Noun

methodology (countable and uncountable, plural methodologies)

1. (originally sciences) The study of methods used in a field.

   Coordinate term: epistemology
2. (loosely) A collection of methods, practices, procedures and rules used by those who work in some field.

   Synonyms: technique, means, procedure
3. The implementation of such methods etc.

Usage notes

Etymologically, methodology refers to the study of methods. Thus the use of methodology as a synonym for methods (or other simple terms such as means, technique, or procedure) is proscribed as both inaccurate and pretentious.

Derived terms

Related terms

• metamethod (sometimes synonymous)

Translations

Further reading

• methodology on Wikipedia.Wikipedia
• “methodology”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.
• Common English Usage Errors: Methodology