Systematic vs. Systematical

Attribute	Systematic	Systematical
Definition	Methodical, organized, following a system	Following a system or method
Usage	Commonly used in scientific research and academic contexts	Less commonly used, more formal or literary
Etymology	Derived from the Greek word "systema"	Derived from the Greek word "systematikos"
Connotation	Positive, indicating order and efficiency	Neutral, indicating adherence to a system

Definition

Systematic and systematical are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have slightly different meanings. Systematic is an adjective that describes something that is done or acting according to a fixed plan or system. It implies a methodical and organized approach to something. On the other hand, systematical is a less common variant of systematic, but it is used to mean the same thing - following a system or method.

Usage

Systematic is the more commonly used term in English, while systematical is considered archaic or obsolete by some language experts. However, both words are still used in academic and technical writing to describe processes or approaches that are methodical and organized. Systematic is preferred in modern usage, but systematical can still be found in older texts or in certain contexts where a more formal tone is desired.

Etymology

The word systematic comes from the Greek word "systematikos," which means "methodical." It entered the English language in the late 18th century. Systematical is a variant that was formed by adding the suffix "-al" to systematic, which is a common practice in English to create adjectives from nouns or other adjectives. Both words have the same root and share the same basic meaning of following a system or method.

Examples

Here are some examples of how systematic and systematical can be used in sentences:

• She took a systematic approach to organizing her research notes.
• The company implemented a systematic review process for all new product launches.
• His systematical analysis of the data revealed interesting patterns.
• The team followed a systematic approach to problem-solving, which led to a successful outcome.

Differences

While systematic and systematical have the same basic meaning, there are some subtle differences in how they are used. Systematic is the more common and preferred term in modern English, while systematical is considered less common and somewhat outdated. Some language purists may argue that systematical is not a valid word, but it is still used by some writers and speakers. In general, systematic is the safer choice for most situations.

Similarities

Despite their differences, systematic and systematical share many similarities. Both words are used to describe processes, approaches, or actions that are methodical, organized, and following a system. They can be used interchangeably in most contexts without changing the overall meaning of a sentence. Whether you choose to use systematic or systematical, you can be confident that your meaning will be clear to your audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, systematic and systematical are two words that are closely related in meaning and usage. While systematic is the more common and preferred term in modern English, systematical is still used by some writers and speakers. Both words describe something that is done or acting according to a fixed plan or system, and they can be used interchangeably in most contexts. Whether you choose systematic or systematical, the key is to be consistent in your usage and to ensure that your meaning is clear to your audience.