Modus Operandi

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /ˌmoʊdəs ˌɑpəˈrændi/

Definitions of modus operandi

noun A particular way or method of doing something, especially one that is characteristic or well-established

Example Sentences

A1 The detective explained the criminal's modus operandi to the jury.

A2 The thief's modus operandi was to break into houses during the day when no one was home.

B1 The hacker's modus operandi involved sending phishing emails to gain access to sensitive information.

B2 The serial killer's modus operandi was to target young women who were walking alone at night.

C1 The spy's modus operandi included using encrypted messages to communicate with their contacts.

C2 The terrorist group's modus operandi was to carry out coordinated attacks on crowded public places.

Examples of modus operandi in a Sentence

formal The detective analyzed the criminal's modus operandi to predict their next move.

informal I can't figure out the thief's modus operandi, it's so confusing.

slang The hacker's modus operandi is to always exploit weak passwords.

figurative Her modus operandi for success is to always stay focused and determined.

Grammatical Forms of modus operandi

plural

modi operandi

comparative

more modus operandi

superlative

most modus operandi

present tense

uses modus operandi

future tense

will use modus operandi

perfect tense

has used modus operandi

continuous tense

is using modus operandi

singular

modus operandi

positive degree

modus operandi

infinitive

to use modus operandi

gerund

using modus operandi

participle

used modus operandi

Origin and Evolution of modus operandi

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The term 'modus operandi' originates from Latin, where 'modus' means 'way' and 'operandi' means 'of operating'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in legal contexts to refer to a criminal's characteristic way of operating, 'modus operandi' has since expanded to more general usage to describe a person's typical method of doing something.