punctilious

USAGE SUMMARY

"punctilious" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that describes someone who is very careful and attentive to small details, particularly in matters of etiquette or ceremony. Example sentence: The punctilious host made sure that all of his guests were comfortably seated and had their drinks before beginning the dinner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was unexpected, punctilious, northern to his roots but endlessly fascinated by a wider world: the kind of reporter, you might say, that we don't breed any more - except that we only bred one Arthur then.

The Guardian

Iran is thinking in terms of not much more than five years, while the Americans and their partners have in mind ten to 20 years of punctilious compliance before Iran could start building up its centrifuges again.

The Economist

TYRANTS tend to be oddly punctilious about recording their atrocities.

The Economist

Ms Gillard even landed a punctilious peck on the cheek of Kevin Rudd (pictured above), the former Labor leader, whom she unseated just 16 months ago.

The Economist

As for the voting system's punctilious mix of direct election and proportional representation, this almost invariably brings coalition government and "lowest-common-denominator" decision-making.

The Economist

Ms Gillard even managed a punctilious, celebratory kiss with Kevin Rudd, whom she unseated as Labor leader and prime minister just 16 months ago.

The Economist

This may promote punctilious practice of the faith, but hardly equips people for a bewildering world of ever-increasing choice.Although the proportion of Arabs with university degrees is growing rapidly, quality lags far behind.

The Economist

Dreaming of Bolivian moments Reprints Related items Italy's politics: A dog's dinner for Romano ProdiApr 27th 2006Mr Ciampi, a punctilious interpreter of the constitution, was a constant thorn in Mr Berlusconi's side.

The Economist

Add to that the global financial crisis stemming from all those ludicrously risky subprime mortgages in America, and add, too, the present crisis over the euro a currency ill-designed to suit both punctilious Germans and relaxed Greeks.

The Economist

The Chinese litigants, however, are worried less about piracy than about losing out on traffic, and thus advertising, to less punctilious rivals.

The Economist

The North insists on punctilious observation by the other side of the small print of any agreement, yet will do whatever it can to flout its own obligations.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "punctilious", ensure that the context involves adherence to rules, conventions, or details, as it emphasizes a strict and precise approach. Avoid using it when simply describing general carefulness or attention.

Common error

Avoid using "punctilious" as a synonym for simply being "careful". "Punctilious" specifically relates to strict adherence to rules, codes, or procedures. If you mean generally careful or attentive, opt for words like "meticulous" or "conscientious" instead.

Linguistic Context

The word "punctilious" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone or something that is strictly attentive to detail, especially concerning rules or conventions. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable word in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "punctilious" is a correct and frequently used adjective that describes a strict adherence to detail, especially in matters of rules or conventions. According to Ludwig AI, it is a well-accepted term in written English. Analysis of its usage patterns reveals it's commonly found in news media and encyclopedias, lending a sense of formality and precision to the writing. When using "punctilious", ensure that the context aligns with its emphasis on strict adherence rather than general carefulness. Alternatives like "meticulous" or "conscientious" may be more appropriate in other contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meticulous

Focuses on thoroughness and precision in every aspect, closely aligned with "punctilious".

attentive to detail

Directly describes the focus on small elements and nuances, emphasizing thoroughness.

fastidious

Emphasizes excessive care and attention to detail, sometimes to the point of being overly critical or demanding.

scrupulous

Highlights a strong moral or ethical component in the attention to detail, suggesting a commitment to doing what is right.

conscientious

Implies a sense of duty and diligence in performing tasks or following guidelines.

exacting

Stresses the high standards and rigorous demands imposed on oneself or others.

precise

Indicates accuracy and correctness in execution, emphasizing the avoidance of errors.

diligent

Focuses on the persistent effort and dedication applied to a task, showcasing a strong work ethic.

careful

Highlights the attentiveness and caution taken to avoid mistakes or oversights.

strict

Indicates a firm adherence to rules and regulations, emphasizing discipline and control.

FAQs

How can I use "punctilious" in a sentence?

You can use "punctilious" to describe someone who is very careful and attentive to detail, especially regarding rules or conventions. For example, "The "punctilious accountant" ensured every transaction was recorded perfectly."

What's the difference between "punctilious" and "meticulous"?

"Punctilious" emphasizes strict adherence to rules or conventions, while "meticulous" stresses thoroughness and precision in every aspect. Although similar, "punctilious" carries a stronger connotation of formality and code following.

What are some synonyms for "punctilious"?

Alternatives to "punctilious" include "fastidious", "scrupulous", and "conscientious", each with slightly different nuances. "Fastidious" implies excessive attention to detail, while "scrupulous" suggests ethical considerations.

Is it correct to use "punctilious" in informal contexts?

While "punctilious" is generally used in more formal or professional settings, it can be used in informal contexts if you're describing someone's strict adherence to rules or etiquette, even in casual situations. However, consider if a simpler word might be more appropriate.