Processes: meaning, definitions and examples

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processes

 

[ˈprɑˌsɛsɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

business

A series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.

Synonyms

methods, operations, procedures.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
processes

Used to describe a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a specific outcome, often in a scientific, industrial, or business context.

  • The manufacturing processes at the factory are highly automated
  • In biology, various metabolic processes occur within cells
procedures

Describes specific, established protocols or series of actions conducted in a certain order, often used in medical, legal, or administrative contexts.

  • Surgical procedures require precision and skill
  • Companies must follow strict procedures for data protection and privacy
operations

Used in the context of procedures or actions related to running a system, business, or other organized efforts. Often associated with logistics, business, or military activities.

  • The daily operations of the company are managed by the COO
  • Military operations in the region have increased in recent months
methods

Refers to systematic ways or techniques of doing something, often involving specific strategies or tools.

  • The method we used to solve the math problem was very efficient
  • She shared her method of organizing emails that keeps everything neat

Examples of usage

  • Efficient processes are crucial for the success of any business.
  • Automating certain processes can help increase productivity.
  • Streamlining processes can lead to cost savings.
Context #2 | Verb

science

Perform a series of mechanical or chemical operations on something in order to change or preserve it.

Synonyms

prepare, transform, treat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
processes

Use this word when referring to a series of actions, steps, or changes to achieve a particular end. This term is neutral and can be used in scientific, technical, or general contexts.

  • The computer processes data quickly.
  • Industrial processes can sometimes be harmful to the environment.
treat

This word is generally used when referring to dealing with someone or something in a particular way, usually to improve or care for it. It often implies medical, therapeutic, or special handling. It can sometimes carry negative connotations if referring to bad treatment.

  • Doctors treat patients with various medications.
  • You should treat that stain before washing the shirt.
prepare

This word is best used when getting something ready for use, consumption, or a particular event. It implies a thoughtful and deliberate series of actions.

  • She needs to prepare the ingredients before cooking.
  • The students prepared for the final exam.
transform

Use this word when describing a significant change in form, appearance, or character. It implies a more substantial or dramatic change compared to 'process'.

  • They plan to transform the old building into a modern art gallery.
  • The experience transformed her outlook on life.

Examples of usage

  • The food is processed to make it suitable for long-term storage.
  • The data needs to be processed before it can be analyzed.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originated from the Latin word 'processus', meaning 'a going forward or progress'.
  • In Middle English, it took the form 'process', relating to the idea of a series of actions or events.
  • The term evolved over centuries in scientific, legal, and everyday contexts, reflecting its versatility.

Science

  • In biology, processes refer to the sequences of events that occur in living organisms, like cellular respiration.
  • In computer science, a process is a program in execution, which can consist of multiple instructions and data.
  • Chemical processes involve the transformation of substances, like reactions in a laboratory setting.

Psychology

  • Cognitive processes include the mental actions involved in gaining knowledge, such as perception and memory.
  • Emotional processes pertain to how people react to experiences, shaping their feelings and behaviors.
  • Therapeutic processes in psychology often involve steps that help individuals understand and manage their emotions.

Business

  • Process improvement is a methodology used by companies to enhance efficiency by evaluating and refining operations.
  • Lean processes focus on minimizing waste while maximizing productivity through continuous improvement.
  • The term 'business process' relates to structured activities aimed at producing a service or product for customers.

Art

  • Artistic processes can include methods and steps artists take to create a piece, from brainstorming to final touches.
  • In dance, choreographic processes involve creating movement sequences that tell a story or express an idea.
  • The writing process is commonly broken down into stages: planning, drafting, revising, and editing.

Translations

Translations of the word "processes" in other languages:

🇵🇹 processos

🇮🇳 प्रक्रियाएँ

🇩🇪 Prozesse

🇮🇩 proses

🇺🇦 процеси

🇵🇱 procesy

🇯🇵 プロセス

🇫🇷 processus

🇪🇸 procesos

🇹🇷 süreçler

🇰🇷 프로세스

🇸🇦 عمليات

🇨🇿 procesy

🇸🇰 procesy

🇨🇳 过程

🇸🇮 procesi

🇮🇸 ferli

🇰🇿 процестер

🇬🇪 პროცესები

🇦🇿 proseslər

🇲🇽 procesos

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,009, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.