procedure
A procedure is a set of steps you follow to get something done correctly.
Explanation at your level:
A procedure is a list of steps. You follow the steps to do a job. For example, if you want to make coffee, you follow a procedure. First, you get the cup. Then, you add coffee. Next, you add water. These steps help you make good coffee every time.
When you have a task, you need a procedure to finish it. It is like a set of rules. In school, there is a procedure for how to borrow a book from the library. You follow the steps to get the book without any problems.
A procedure is an official way of doing something. In many workplaces, employees must follow a specific procedure to ensure safety. It is important to read the procedure carefully before you start a new task so you do not make mistakes.
In professional environments, procedure refers to the established protocol for completing complex tasks. It is often used interchangeably with 'process,' though a procedure usually implies a more rigid, step-by-step approach. Following standard procedures is essential for maintaining quality control in business and medicine.
The term procedure denotes a systematic, codified sequence of actions intended to achieve a specific outcome. In legal and scientific contexts, adherence to procedure is not merely a suggestion but a requirement for validity. Deviating from a procedure can lead to legal challenges or scientific inaccuracies, making it a critical term in formal discourse.
Etymologically rooted in the Latin procedere, procedure signifies the advancement of an action through a structured progression. Beyond its technical utility, the word carries connotations of institutional authority and bureaucratic rigor. In literature, it may be used to describe the cold, mechanical nature of systems that prioritize form over human agency. Mastery of this term involves understanding its role in both the physical world—such as surgical procedures—and the abstract world of systemic governance and policy enforcement.
Mot en 30 secondes
- A procedure is a set of steps.
- It ensures consistency and safety.
- Commonly used in professional settings.
- Follows the root 'to go forward'.
Think of a procedure as a roadmap for getting things done. Whether you are baking a cake, performing a science experiment, or starting a new job, you are likely following a procedure. It is essentially a set of instructions that tells you exactly what to do and when to do it.
Using a procedure is all about consistency. When everyone follows the same steps, the result is much more likely to be successful and safe. It takes the guesswork out of complex tasks, making it a staple in professional, medical, and legal environments where precision is key.
The word procedure comes from the Middle French word proceder, which itself traces back to the Latin procedere, meaning 'to go forward' or 'advance.' It is composed of pro- (forward) and cedere (to go).
Historically, it referred to the act of moving forward in a process or a legal proceeding. Over centuries, it evolved from the general concept of 'moving forward' to the specific modern meaning of a 'prescribed way of doing something.' It is closely related to the word proceed, which shares the same Latin root.
You will hear procedure most often in formal or professional settings. We talk about 'following a procedure,' 'establishing a procedure,' or 'standard operating procedures' (SOPs).
It is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation unless you are talking about something specific like a medical procedure. If you are talking to a friend, you might say 'steps' or 'instructions' instead, as procedure can sound a bit stiff or overly official in a relaxed social context.
While procedure itself is a noun, it appears in several common phrases:
- Standard operating procedure: The regular way of doing a job.
- Medical procedure: A specific intervention performed by a doctor.
- Legal procedure: The formal steps taken in a court of law.
- Follow procedure: To do things exactly as the rules say.
- Deviation from procedure: When someone does not follow the established steps.
Procedure is a countable noun. You can have one procedure or many procedures. It is often used with articles like 'a' or 'the' (e.g., 'The procedure was successful').
Pronounced /prəˈsiːdʒər/ in both UK and US English, it rhymes with words like seizure (in some dialects) or leisure (if forced). The stress is on the second syllable: pro-CE-dure.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'procession' and 'proceed'.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like pro-SEE-juh.
Sounds like pro-SEE-jer with a rhotic R.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the 'dʒ' sound as 'g'.
- Putting stress on the first syllable.
- Dropping the final 'r' in US English.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to write
Easy to say
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avanc
Grammar to Know
Countable Nouns
A procedure, two procedures.
Definite Articles
The procedure is ready.
Verb-Noun Collocations
Follow a procedure.
Examples by Level
Follow the procedure.
Follow the steps.
Imperative verb.
This is the procedure.
This is the way.
Demonstrative pronoun.
What is the procedure?
What are the steps?
Question form.
We have a new procedure.
We have a new way.
Indefinite article.
The procedure is easy.
The steps are simple.
Definite article.
Read the procedure first.
Read the steps first.
Imperative.
Is there a procedure?
Are there steps?
Existential there.
I know the procedure.
I know the way.
Subject-verb-object.
The safety procedure is very important.
She explained the procedure to the team.
You must follow the correct procedure.
Is this the standard procedure?
The procedure takes ten minutes.
We changed our office procedure.
Please read the procedure carefully.
The procedure is listed on the wall.
The medical procedure was a complete success.
We need to update our operating procedure.
He followed the procedure to the letter.
What is the procedure for applying for a visa?
The company has a strict procedure for complaints.
Following the correct procedure prevents accidents.
The legal procedure can take several months.
There is a set procedure for emergency evacuations.
The board reviewed the internal auditing procedure.
Strict adherence to the procedure is mandatory.
The procedure for filing a grievance is outlined online.
We are currently refining our recruitment procedure.
The surgical procedure requires a specialized team.
They failed to follow the established procedure.
The police followed standard procedure during the arrest.
The software installation procedure is quite complex.
The parliamentary procedure was invoked to stop the debate.
He was dismissed for failing to adhere to safety procedures.
The laboratory procedure yielded unexpected results.
The administrative procedure is notoriously bureaucratic.
She mastered the complex surgical procedure over many years.
The disciplinary procedure was handled with complete impartiality.
We must ensure our procedure aligns with new regulations.
The standard procedure for crisis management was activated.
The judicial procedure was marred by procedural irregularities.
His meticulous approach to the procedure ensured absolute accuracy.
The institution’s procedure for conflict resolution is outdated.
They initiated a formal procedure to investigate the claims.
The entire procedure was conducted under strict supervision.
He questioned the validity of the established procedure.
The complex procedure was codified in the manual.
Rigorous adherence to the procedure is the hallmark of a professional.
Collocations courantes
Idioms & Expressions
"by the book"
Following the rules/procedure exactly.
He does everything by the book.
neutral"go through the motions"
Doing a procedure without real interest.
She was just going through the motions.
casual"step by step"
Following a procedure one part at a time.
Follow the instructions step by step.
neutral"in due course"
Following the correct procedure at the right time.
You will hear back in due course.
formal"a matter of procedure"
Something that is done because it is the rule.
It is just a matter of procedure.
formalEasily Confused
Both mean a way of doing things.
Process is general; procedure is specific.
The process of aging vs. the procedure for surgery.
Similar spelling.
Proceed is a verb; procedure is a noun.
Please proceed to the gate.
Both imply rules.
Protocol is stricter/formal.
Diplomatic protocol.
Both mean a way of doing.
Method is a technique.
My method of studying.
Sentence Patterns
Follow the procedure for [noun]
Follow the procedure for the test.
The procedure is [adjective]
The procedure is complex.
Establish a procedure for [verb+ing]
Establish a procedure for cleaning.
Adhere to the procedure
Adhere to the procedure strictly.
The procedure requires [noun]
The procedure requires patience.
Famille de mots
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Apparenté
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Erreurs courantes
Procedure implies a formal set of steps.
They are different parts of speech.
The preposition 'for' is standard.
Needs an 'e' at the end.
Procedure is more specific/prescriptive.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a 1-2-3 list on a door.
When to use
Use when talking about rules or steps.
Cultural Insight
Often implies efficiency.
Grammar Shortcut
Always follow it with 'for' or 'of'.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'dʒ' sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't confuse it with 'proceed'.
Did You Know?
It comes from 'moving forward'.
Study Smart
Use it in a sentence about your work.
Register
Keep it formal.
Articles
Use 'the' when referring to a specific one.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Pro-see-dure: Professionals SEE the DURE (door) to success by following steps.
Visual Association
A person following a numbered checklist.
Word Web
Défi
Write down the procedure for making your favorite sandwich.
Origine du mot
Latin
Original meaning: To go forward
Contexte culturel
None, but can sound cold if used in personal relationships.
Used heavily in corporate and medical settings.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Work
- follow the procedure
- update the procedure
- standard procedure
Medicine
- surgical procedure
- medical procedure
- the procedure was successful
School
- the procedure for exams
- follow school procedure
- library procedure
Law
- legal procedure
- court procedure
- follow due procedure
Conversation Starters
"What is the standard procedure for starting your day?"
"Do you think following procedures is always important?"
"Have you ever had to follow a complicated medical procedure?"
"What is the procedure for getting a passport in your country?"
"Why do some people dislike following procedures?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you had to follow a strict procedure.
If you could create a procedure for anything, what would it be?
Why are procedures important in a workplace?
Write about a time a procedure helped you succeed.
Questions fréquentes
8 questionsThey are similar, but a procedure is usually more specific and step-by-step.
Yes, but 'recipe' is more common.
Add an 's': procedures.
Yes, it is common in professional contexts.
Standard Operating Procedure.
Yes, but 'follow a procedure' is better.
Yes.
On the second syllable: pro-CE-dure.
Teste-toi
Follow the ___ to finish the task.
Procedure is the correct noun for a set of steps.
What is a procedure?
A procedure is a sequence of actions.
A procedure is always casual.
Procedures are usually formal.
Word
Signification
SOP is the common acronym.
You must follow the procedure.
We need to ___ a new procedure.
Establish is a common verb with procedure.
Which is a synonym for procedure?
Protocol is a formal synonym.
Procedure comes from Latin 'procedere'.
Correct etymology.
The procedure was strictly followed.
The ___ nature of the task required a procedure.
Complex tasks often require procedures.
Score : /10
Summary
A procedure is the established path you take to reach a goal correctly.
- A procedure is a set of steps.
- It ensures consistency and safety.
- Commonly used in professional settings.
- Follows the root 'to go forward'.
Memory Palace
Imagine a 1-2-3 list on a door.
When to use
Use when talking about rules or steps.
Cultural Insight
Often implies efficiency.
Grammar Shortcut
Always follow it with 'for' or 'of'.
Exemple
Checking your tire pressure is a simple procedure that can improve fuel efficiency.
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Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Expressions liées
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absigntude
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accomplishment
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achievement
C1C'est accomplir quelque chose avec succès, souvent grâce à l'effort ou au talent. C'est une réussite notable.
adantiary
C1Ajuster ou modifier un plan ou un processus à l'avance pour anticiper de futurs problèmes.
adept
C1Highly skilled or proficient at a task that requires specific knowledge or practice. It describes a person who can perform complex actions with ease and precision.
adflexship
C1Adapter stratégiquement son approche professionnelle en intégrant de nouvelles compétences avec souplesse pour répondre aux évolutions de l'environnement.
adhument
C1'Adhument' veut dire apporter un soutien ou renforcer quelque chose qui existe déjà. C'est comme ajouter des renforts pour rendre une structure plus solide.
