Words / C1

PROHT-uh-kol/ˈprəʊtəkɒl/

A protocol is an official, agreed procedure for how something must be done: safety protocol, research protocol, diplomatic protocol. Native institutions treat a protocol as binding, not optional advice. A procedure can be any set of steps; etiquette is social manners; a rule may be a single requirement. In computing, a protocol is a communication standard (HTTPS).

Meaning

An official system of rules for how something is done.

Examples

• “Follow the safety protocol.”
• “The ethics protocol required written consent.”
• “Staff broke protocol by sharing logins.”

Good to know

protocol = official procedure / standard. looser: procedure. social: etiquette.

Near in meaning

procedure

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