modus operandi

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method of operation, way of working, usual procedure
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/ˈmɔ.dʊs ɔ.pɛˈran.dɪ/
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A regular way of working or carrying something out, especially a pattern recognizable in a person, organization, or criminal investigation.
Practice using modus operandi in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Investigatores eundem modum operandi in tribus criminibus invenerunt.
    The investigators found the same method of operation in three crimes.
  • Ille modus operandi omnibus notus erat.
    That method of operation was known to everyone.
  • Ex ipso modo operandi auctor facinoris cognitus est.
    The offender was identified from the method of operation itself.
  • Hic modus operandi consuetudinem magistri ostendit.
    This usual procedure shows the teacher's habit.
  • Duo furta eodem modo operandi coniuncta sunt.
    Two thefts were linked by the same method of operation.

Similar words

mos
ratio agendi
methodus
via agendi
consuetudo
ratio operandi
modus agendi

Meanings

Usual method of working

everyday
neutral
A regular method or pattern by which someone or something works, acts, or carries out a task, often distinctive enough to identify a repeated practice.

Examples

  • Ille modus operandi omnibus notus erat.
    That method of operation was known to everyone.
  • Investigatores eundem modum operandi in tribus criminibus invenerunt.
    The investigators found the same method of operation in three crimes.
  • Societas novum modum operandi ad mercatum celerem elegit.
    The company chose a new way of working for a fast-moving market.
  • Ex ipso modo operandi auctor facinoris cognitus est.
    The offender was identified from the method of operation itself.
  • Duo furta eodem modo operandi coniuncta sunt.
    Two thefts were linked by the same method of operation.
  • Mutato modo operandi, opus celerius processit.
    Once the way of working changed, the work moved faster.
  • Hic modus operandi consuetudinem magistri ostendit.
    This usual procedure shows the teacher's habit.

Similar words

ratio operandi
modus agendi
ratio agendi
consuetudo
mos
methodus
via agendi

Etymology

New Latin, built from Latin modus, meaning manner or method, and operandī, meaning of working, the genitive gerund of operārī.

FAQ

What does modus operandi mean?

Modus operandi means a usual method of working or a recognizable pattern of action.

Is modus operandi only used for crime?

No. It is common in criminal investigation, but it can also describe business routines, personal habits, and other repeated ways of working.

What is the plural of modus operandi?

The traditional Latin plural is modi operandi, with only modus changing to modi.

Is modus operandi the same as a criminal signature?

Not exactly. In law and investigation, modus operandi is the working pattern used to carry out acts and can help connect them to the same actor.

How is modus operandi pronounced in Latin?

A Classical Latin pronunciation is /ˈmɔ.dʊs ɔ.pɛˈran.dɪ/.

Where does modus operandi come from?

It is New Latin, formed from modus, meaning manner or method, and operandī, meaning of working.

Can modus operandi be abbreviated?

In English, modus operandi is often shortened to M.O. or MO.

Comments & contributions

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Contribution
Maple Cricket
Jul 9
French side note: people often translate it as mode opératoire, and the borrowed Latin phrase doesnt always get the Latin plural there. You will run into des modus operandi, not only des modi operandi.
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Subtle Ferret
Jul 3
Crime nerd distinction that helped me: the M.O. is the practical how, like the entry route or tool. A signature is the extra behavior that seems to satisfy the offender, so it is not just another clever method. TV shows blur those all the time, annoyingly
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Patient Puma
Jun 29
If you are using the short form, the plural in normal English is just M.O.s. Latin class can keep modi operandi, police or business talk usually wont bother.
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Cloudy Reindeer
Jun 25
M.O. is said as the two letters, not like mo
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Stellar Oriole
Jun 24
for English learners: the full phrase is more formal than the entry maybe makes it feel. "That is my M.O." can sound normal in conversation, but "my modus operandi is coffee before email" sounds like you are playing detective a little.
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