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adj

scrupulous

SKROO-pyuh-luhs

Scrupulous (adj) means Extremely careful and thorough, paying close attention to detail and honesty. Example: “She kept scrupulous records of every expense.”

adj
1
Extremely careful and thorough, paying close attention to detail and honesty.
"She kept scrupulous records of every expense."
"He was scrupulous about following the rules to the letter."

How to use scrupulous

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishExtremely careful, honest, and precise, especially about doing things properly.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "unscrupulous," which means the opposite — dishonest or unprincipled.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
scrupulous attention to detail scrupulously honest scrupulous records

Word forms

more scrupulous comparative, most scrupulous superlative

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Etymology

From Latin scrupulosus, related to scrupulus (a small sharp stone) — the image of a nagging pebble in one's shoe evolved into the sense of a nagging moral conscience.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for scrupulous

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Frequently asked questions

What does “scrupulous” mean?

The word “scrupulous” means extremely careful and thorough, paying close attention to detail and honesty. In plain terms, extremely careful, honest, and precise, especially about doing things properly.

How do you pronounce “scrupulous”?

“Scrupulous” is pronounced SKROO-pyuh-luhs (/ˈskɹuː.pjə.ləs/ in IPA).

How do you use “scrupulous” in a sentence?

Here is “scrupulous” used in a sentence: “She kept scrupulous records of every expense.”

What part of speech is “scrupulous”?

“Scrupulous” is an adjective.

Where does the word “scrupulous” come from?

The word “scrupulous” comes from Latin. From Latin scrupulosus, related to scrupulus (a small sharp stone) — the image of a nagging pebble in one's shoe evolved into the sense of a nagging moral conscience.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial