meticulous
Meticulous (adjective) means Extremely careful and precise about details. Example: “The surgeon was meticulous in checking every instrument before the operation.”
How to use meticulous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPaying very close attention to every small detail.
Word forms
more meticulous comparative, most meticulous superlative
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Can you complete this real example?
The surgeon was _____ in checking every instrument before the operation.
Etymology
From Latin meticulosus ("fearful, timid"), from metus ("fear"). The modern sense of "careful about detail" developed later, likely influenced by the similar French word méticuleux.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for meticulous
See all rhymes for meticulous →Frequently asked questions
What does “meticulous” mean?
The word “meticulous” means extremely careful and precise about details. In plain terms, paying very close attention to every small detail.
How do you pronounce “meticulous”?
“Meticulous” is pronounced mih-TIHK-yih-lihs (/mɪˈtɪkjɪlɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “meticulous” in a sentence?
Here is “meticulous” used in a sentence: “The surgeon was meticulous in checking every instrument before the operation.”
What is another word for “meticulous”?
Words with a similar meaning to “meticulous” include accurate, careful, comprehensive, solicitous, conscientious and fastidious.
What is the opposite of “meticulous”?
The opposite of “meticulous” — its antonyms — are automatic, careless, cursory, haphazard and perfunctory.
What part of speech is “meticulous”?
“Meticulous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “meticulous” come from?
The word “meticulous” comes from Latin. From Latin meticulosus ("fearful, timid"), from metus ("fear"). The modern sense of "careful about detail" developed later, likely influenced by the similar French word méticuleux.
Is “meticulous” a common word?
“Meticulous” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
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