Meticulous

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "Meticulous" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who pays great attention to detail or is very careful and precise in their work. An example: "She was meticulous in her research, ensuring every detail was accurate." Alternative expressions with the same meaning include "thorough" and "detailed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was finally forced to admit his guilt due to a "meticulous and impressive" police operation, with help from British, American and Pakistani intelligence, Mr Justice Butterfield, the judge, was told.

The Guardian

Both sides had a loyal following, but it was Piketty whose meticulous examination of the evidence, seemed to provide the impartial proof audiences were craving.

The Guardian - Money

That is a small example of a meticulous work ethic‚ "a familiar blend of sports science, psychology, painstaking preparation and innovation on the training ground all aimed at eking the best from a squad, which cost around £8.5m to construct".

The Guardian - Sport

The duo's meticulous year-round tracking of ward byelections is easy to mock, but it is the only way in which the polls that so obsess Westminster can be checked against real votes.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I am a very meticulous person and I am ideally suited to software testing," he said.

The Guardian - Business

The notes show the meticulous preparation the Labour leader had undertaken ahead of the debate and the extent to which some of his phrases were wellrehearsed lines.

The Guardian

Greenwald has reported in a very careful, meticulous way.

The Guardian

When I was at boarding school she was meticulous about turning up to school functions but always had a file of paperwork to sign or read when there was a lull in proceedings.

The Guardian

"This is a slow and painstaking process involving forensic examination, photographing the scene and recovering exhibits in meticulous detail in order to preserve the evidence," it said.

The Guardian

"We believe that the work that the commission conducted during the course of almost three years, which culminated in this report, was thorough, careful and meticulous.

The Guardian

The meticulous preparation paid off, for a while, but Brown's political fall was put off for just another year.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or procedure, use "meticulous" to convey a high degree of care and attention to each step, indicating a reliable and well-executed outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "meticulous" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler terms like "careful" or "thorough" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "meticulous" primarily functions as a descriptor, modifying nouns to indicate a high level of attention to detail and precision. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this function in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "meticulous" denotes a high degree of care and attention to detail. Ludwig's analysis reveals it's grammatically sound and commonly used, especially in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. It conveys thoroughness and accuracy, holding a neutral to professional register. While versatile, overuse in casual settings should be avoided. The related phrases, writing guidance, and FAQs offer deeper insights for refined usage. According to Ludwig AI, "meticulous" is a reliable term for emphasizing precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Attentive to detail

Directly points to the act of paying close attention to small aspects.

Precise

Similar to exact, but can also imply careful control.

Highly precise

Focuses on the accuracy and exactness of the actions.

Painstaking

Implies a high degree of effort and care, often over a long period.

Extremely careful

Highlights the caution and attentiveness involved.

Exact

Focuses on being accurate and without error.

Very thorough

Emphasizes completeness and comprehensiveness.

Conscientious

Emphasizes diligence and a desire to do things well.

Scrupulous

Highlights moral or ethical attentiveness to detail.

Fastidious

Suggests an extreme level of concern for cleanliness and detail.

FAQs

How can I use "meticulous" in a sentence?

You can use "meticulous" to describe someone or something characterized by great attention to detail. For example, "She was "meticulous in her research", ensuring every detail was accurate."

What are some alternatives to the word "meticulous"?

Alternatives include "careful", "precise", "thorough", and "painstaking". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "meticulous" and "scrupulous"?

"Meticulous" emphasizes attention to detail and precision, while "scrupulous" highlights moral or ethical attentiveness and integrity. A "meticulous accountant" is precise in their calculations, whereas a "scrupulous accountant" adheres strictly to ethical standards.

Is "meticulous" a formal word?

While "meticulous" can be used in formal contexts, it is also appropriate for many general situations where careful attention to detail is relevant. However, in very informal settings, simpler words might be preferred.