Get more practice with the workbook
Build vocabulary faster with structured lessons and activities.
4.6
✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT
4.8
✔ Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities, 354 pages.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT
4.8
✔ Add 1,500 must-know verbs to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 70 categorized lessons, 175 practical activities, 266 pages.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT
punctilious
Punctilious (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:
What does punctilious mean?
Careful and attentive in conforming with rules, regulations or appropriate behaviour.
"The punctilious staff were always very attentive to the needs of the guests."
Detailed Meaning of Punctilious
It can be used to describe someone who is very particular about following rules and protocols, or who is very precise and accurate in their work. The term can also be used more broadly to describe anything that is very exact or precise. In general, something or someone that is punctilious is very careful and attentive to details and takes a meticulous approach to their work or behavior.
Example Sentences for Punctilious
1. He was well-respected for his punctilious timekeeping.
2. She was well-respected for punctilious adherence to grammer and punctuation.
3. Her husband mocked her punctilious driving style.
4. He was always punctilious about fulfilling contractual obligations.
5. He was always punctilious about cooking the appropriate food at holidays.
6. He was always punctilious about recyling garbage in the correct bins.
Origin and Etymology of Punctilious
The adjective 'punctilious' has an etymology rooted in the idea of being precise and attentive to details, especially when it comes to following rules and conventions. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'punctum,' which means 'point' or 'dot.' In its original sense, 'punctilious' described individuals who were meticulous in paying attention to small points or details, especially in matters of etiquette, protocol, or adherence to rules. Over time, the term 'punctilious' evolved in English to describe someone who is careful and attentive in conforming to rules, regulations, or appropriate behavior. It emphasizes the importance of precision and adherence to established norms or procedures. The etymology of 'punctilious' underscores the idea of meticulous attention to details and the strict observance of rules and conventions.
Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding
Find the correct meaning of the adjective punctilious:
Try Again!
Correct!
More Usage Examples of Punctilious
1. He was a punctilious young man who felt a sense of virtue when he followed the rules.
2. He was always punctilious in his manners and decorum.
3. He was particularly punctilious concerning financial matters.
4. She was punctilious in her work, always double-checking her calculations and paying attention to even the smallest details.
5. He was punctilious about following the rules, always making sure to adhere to protocols and procedures.
6. She was punctilious about her appearance, always dressing impeccably and grooming herself carefully.
7. He was punctilious in his research, carefully checking and re-checking his sources and ensuring that his work was accurate and thorough.
8. The punctilious teacher was very strict about following the syllabus and making sure that all the students completed their assignments on time.
9. She was punctilious about punctuation, always making sure that her writing was clear and well-organized.
10. He was punctilious about his work, always striving for perfection and paying attention to every detail.
11. The punctilious chef was very particular about the presentation of the dishes, making sure that everything was arranged perfectly on the plate.
12. She was punctilious about her manners, always following proper etiquette and behaving in a dignified and respectful way.
13. She provided her guests with a full itinerary in punctilious detail.
14. He was punctilious about his finances, carefully budgeting and saving money.
15. The punctilious host was very attentive to the needs of her guests, making sure that they had everything they needed and were comfortable.
Synonyms and Related Words for Punctilious
Related Vocabulary Practice
Test your understanding of punctilious in related quizzes, flashcards, and spelling activities:
SAT 1 (Scholastic Assessment Test)
Choose an activity:
Excellence and Virtue
Choose an activity:
Discipline and Resolve
Choose an activity:
✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT