modus operandi
Say it: MOH-dus op-uh-RAN-dee /ˌməʊdəs ˌɒpəˈrændiː/ · noun phrase
What “modus operandi” means
The usual way someone does something.
More precisely: A person's or group's typical way of doing something.
Example: “Her modus operandi is to listen first and decide later.”
When to use it
Use it for someone's recognisable working method, especially a repeated pattern. It sounds formal and sometimes suggests detective work.
Memory trick
Latin for “way of operating”: someone's familiar method in action.
Similar words
method, approach, MO
Where it comes from
Latin, 'way of operating'.
Quick check
Every time Lee plans a party, he books the venue first and sorts food afterwards. This routine is…
his motive or his modus operandi?
Show the answer
his modus operandi
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