punctilious

[ puhngk-til-ee-uhs ]

adjective

1. extremely attentive to punctilios; strict or exact in the observance of the formalities or amenities of conduct or actions.

   Synonyms: conscientious, careful, demanding, precise

   Antonyms: careless

punctilious

/ pʌŋkˈtɪlɪəs /

adjective

1. paying scrupulous attention to correctness in etiquette
2. attentive to detail

Derived Forms

• puncˈtiliousness, noun
• puncˈtiliously, adverb

Other Words From

• punc·tili·ous·ly adverb
• punc·tili·ous·ness noun
• unpunc·tili·ous adjective
• unpunc·tili·ous·ly adverb
• unpunc·tili·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of punctilious¹

First recorded in 1625–35; punctili(o) + -ous

Synonym Study

See scrupulous.

Example Sentences

The Tory revolutionary was so punctilious and respectful of her monarch it was almost embarrassing.

From The Daily Beast

Denis Thatcher got on well with the Queen Mother, enjoyed a drink as much as she did, and was punctilious about royal protocol.

From The Daily Beast

The little boy of two, often quoted here, showed a punctilious feeling for order in the placing of things.

From Project Gutenberg

Never lacking natural dignity, he was not punctilious in mere matters of form.

From Project Gutenberg

As the representative of his father-in-law, Haggard asked his lordship with punctilious hospitality if he would take another peg.

From Project Gutenberg

Fletcher's whole soul was possessed by a sore, jealous, punctilious patriotism.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a servant and a lackey, and the punctilious gentlemen opposed to him were not inclined to cross swords with him.

From Project Gutenberg