What does procedural mean?
Procedural is an adjective meaning concerned with the steps, methods, or rules used to carry out an activity. It is especially common in legal and institutional language, where a procedural issue concerns the way a decision or proceeding is conducted rather than the substance of the disagreement. In scientific and technical contexts, procedural knowledge refers to the practical methods and rules needed to perform a task. The word often has a slightly formal tone and may suggest that the process is being handled according to established procedures, whether or not those procedures achieve the best result. It is useful when describing the machinery or structure of an activity, as opposed to its central content or purpose.
adjectiveRelating to or involving the steps or methods used to carry out a process. In legal and institutional contexts, it describes matters concerned with procedure rather than the substance of an issue.
- Relating to the methods, steps, or rules involved in carrying out a process.
- In law or institutional contexts, concerned with the manner of conducting proceedings rather than the merits of the case.
"The committee introduced procedural safeguards to ensure that every application was reviewed fairly."
"The delay was caused by a procedural error in the review process."
"Her procedural knowledge of the laboratory's safety protocols was invaluable during the emergency."
Procedural describes how something is done, while substantive describes what actually matters within it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does procedural come from?
Procedural derives from procedure, which comes from Latin procedere, meaning 'to go forward' or 'to proceed.' English borrowed the word in the early 17th century in senses connected with a course of action, method, or set of rules. The adjective developed alongside these meanings and now commonly describes legal, administrative, technical, and organizational methods. Related English words such as proceed, process, and proceeding continue to reflect the Latin root.
Related word forms
How procedural is actually used
The word is formal and especially common in legal, governmental, academic, and organizational contexts. It can sometimes imply that attention is focused on procedure rather than on practical outcomes or substantive issues.
Easily confused with procedural
A procedure is a method or series of steps for doing something, whereas procedural is an adjective describing something connected with such methods or steps.
A process is an unfolding series of changes or events, while procedural describes the rules, methods, or steps used to carry it out.