technique
B2Neutral to Formal. Common in academic, professional, and instructional contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A way of carrying out a particular task, especially the execution or performance of an artistic work or a scientific procedure; a body of practical methods, skills, or expertise in a particular field.
The level of skill or ability that someone has in a practical or artistic activity; skillful or efficient execution.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to the method or skill itself, not the underlying theory or technology. Contrast with 'technology' (applied science) and 'method' (a more general procedure).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Slightly more frequent in UK English in sporting contexts (e.g., 'bowling technique').
Connotations
Neutral, implying precision, skill, and systematic practice.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + technique: develop, use, master, perfect, demonstratetechnique + [preposition] + [noun]: technique for painting, technique of persuasion, technique in surgeryVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There's more than one technique to skin a cat. (variation of 'more than one way...')”
- “A question of technique.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to methods in management, sales, or negotiation (e.g., 'a new technique for stakeholder engagement').
Academic
Describes research methods, analytical procedures, or artistic methods (e.g., 'an innovative technique for data collection').
Everyday
Common in hobbies, sports, cooking (e.g., 'a grilling technique', 'your swimming technique has improved').
Technical
Specific to fields like medicine, engineering, IT (e.g., 'minimally invasive surgical technique', 'encryption technique').
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The pianist's technique was flawless, particularly her use of the sostenuto pedal.
- They are teaching new techniques for sustainable farming at the agricultural college.
American English
- The surgeon's technique minimized recovery time for the patients.
- Coaches constantly work on improving players' free-throw technique.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The chef showed me a simple technique for chopping onions quickly.
- To improve your pronunciation, try this listening and repetition technique.
- Her painting technique uses lots of light and shadow.
- The researcher employed a novel technique to isolate the protein, which yielded more accurate results.
- His negotiating technique involves letting the other side speak first.
- The artist's pioneering technique, which involved applying pigments with a palette knife, revolutionized textural expression in landscape painting.
- Critics praised the film not for its plot but for its virtuosic cinematographic technique.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of TECHNIQUE as the 'TECHNical UNIQUE' way you do something skilled.
Conceptual Metaphor
TECHNIQUE IS A TOOL/CRAFT; TECHNIQUE IS A PATH (to mastery).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'техника' (which often means 'machinery/equipment' or 'technics'). 'Technique' is closer to 'методика', 'приём', 'техника исполнения'.
- Do not use 'technique' for 'technology' ('технология').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'technique' as a synonym for 'technology'. (Incorrect: 'The new technique of smartphones...' Correct: 'The new technology in smartphones...')
- Using 'on' instead of 'for' or 'in': 'a technique on painting' (incorrect) vs. 'a technique for painting' (correct).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely synonym for 'technique' in a musical context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is usually countable (e.g., 'a technique', 'several techniques'). It can be uncountable when referring to skill in general (e.g., 'Her technique is superb').
'Technique' is the specific method or way of doing something. 'Skill' is the overall ability to do that thing well. You use a technique to demonstrate a skill.
No, 'technique' is only a noun. The related verb is 'techniqued', but it is extremely rare and jargonistic (e.g., 'a finely techniqued performance').
Stress the second syllable: tek-NEEK. The first syllable is like 'tech' or 'tek'. The 'que' is pronounced like 'k'.