Punctilious Meaning, Definition, Synonyms, Usage, and Origin
Explore the meaning, definition, pronunciation, synonyms, antonyms, grammar rules, usage, origin, and examples of “punctilious.” Learn how to use it correctly in sentences.
Punctilious
Pronunciation: /pʌŋkˈtɪliəs/
(Phonetic Spelling: punk-TIL-ee-uhs)
Definitions:
- Showing great attention to detail or correct behavior.
- Example: She was punctilious in following the wedding etiquette.
- Marked by or concerned about precise accordance with the details of codes or conventions.
- Example: The judge was punctilious in applying the law fairly.
Meaning:
The word punctilious refers to someone who is very careful about correctness, especially concerning behavior, etiquette, and following rules. It conveys a sense of meticulousness and precision in conduct or actions. This trait is often associated with people who follow rules strictly and pay close attention to even the smallest details in their actions, social interactions, and professional duties.
Punctilious Meaning & Definition in Different Languages:
- Mandarin Chinese (普通话): 一丝不苟 (Yīsī bùgǒu) – 形容人做事非常仔细，严格遵守规则和礼仪。
- Arabic (العربية): دقيق جداً (Daqīq jiddan) – يصف الشخص الذي يهتم بأدق التفاصيل ويتبع القواعد بدقة.
- Hindi (हिन्दी): शुद्धतावादी (Shuddhatāvādī) – जो व्यक्ति नियमों और शिष्टाचार का सख्ती से पालन करता है।
- Spanish (Español): Puntilloso – Que presta mucha atención a los detalles y sigue reglas estrictamente.
- Portuguese (Português): Pontilhoso – Alguém que é extremamente atento aos detalhes e regras.
- Bengali (বাংলা): অতিসতর্ক (Oti-sotorko) – যিনি নিয়ম ও শিষ্টাচার কঠোরভাবে মেনে চলেন।
- Russian (Русский): Педантичный (Pedantichnyy) – Человек, который очень внимателен к деталям и строго следует правилам.
- Japanese (日本語): 几帳面 (Kichōmen) – 細かいところまで気を配り、規則やマナーを厳密に守る人。
- French (Français): Pointilleux – Qui fait très attention aux détails et suit les règles avec rigueur.
- Odia (ଓଡ଼ିଆ): ସତର୍କ (Satarka) – ଯିଏ ନିୟମ ଏବଂ ଶିଷ୍ଟାଚାର କଠୋରତାର ସହିତ ପାଳନ କରେ।
Synonyms:
- Meticulous
- Precise
- Scrupulous
- Fastidious
- Conscientious
- Exacting
- Particular
- Methodical
- Rigorous
- Systematic
Antonyms:
- Careless
- Negligent
- Inattentive
- Lax
- Informal
- Sloppy
- Unconcerned
- Imprecise
Grammar Rules and Usage:
- Part of Speech: Adjective
- Comparative: More punctilious
- Superlative: Most punctilious
- Derived Forms:
- Punctiliously (adverb) – He followed the instructions punctiliously.
- Punctiliousness (noun) – Her punctiliousness in work made her a great manager.
- Non-punctilious (adjective) – His non-punctilious approach often led to mistakes.
History and Origin:
- Etymology: The word punctilious comes from the French ponctilieux, which is derived from ponctil (meaning fine point, detail), which itself comes from the Spanish puntillo (a diminutive of punto, meaning point). The ultimate root is the Latin punctum (meaning a small mark or point).
- First Known Use: 1634
- Evolution of Meaning: Originally, the term was primarily used in reference to etiquette and courtly behavior. Over time, it expanded to include precision in following procedures, rules, and protocols in various domains such as law, business, and academia.
Examples in Sentences:
- The lawyer was punctilious in preparing the legal documents to ensure accuracy.
- As a host, he was punctilious about making his guests feel comfortable.
- She was known for her punctilious adherence to the dress code at work.
- His punctilious nature sometimes annoyed his more laid-back friends.
- The inspector was punctilious in checking every detail of the safety regulations.
- The scientist was punctilious in recording each step of the experiment to ensure reproducibility.
- He was punctilious about grammar and would correct every tiny mistake in a document.
- The museum curator was punctilious in cataloging every artifact.
- She was punctilious in meeting deadlines, never submitting work late.
- A punctilious chef ensures that every dish is prepared with the utmost precision and presentation.
Conclusion:
The word punctilious is an adjective describing a person who is extremely attentive to correctness, detail, and formality, especially in matters of behavior and etiquette. It originates from Latin through Spanish and French and has been in use since the 17th century. It is commonly used in formal contexts, particularly when describing someone’s disciplined approach to rules and conduct. Understanding the nuances of punctiliousness helps in recognizing its value in various aspects of life, from professional settings to social interactions.
FAQs:
- What does punctilious mean?
Punctilious means showing great attention to detail or correct behavior, especially regarding etiquette and rules. - How do you use punctilious in a sentence?
Example: He was punctilious in following the company’s dress code. - What are synonyms for punctilious?
Synonyms include meticulous, precise, scrupulous, fastidious, conscientious, and exacting. - What is the origin of the word punctilious?
The word originates from the French ponctilieux, derived from Spanish puntillo, meaning “fine point” or “detail.” - What is the opposite of punctilious?
Antonyms include careless, negligent, inattentive, lax, and imprecise.
