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 notesIn 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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like scrupulous.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more scrupulous
- Superlative
- most scrupulous
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She kept _____ records of every expense.
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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for scrupulous
See all rhymes for scrupulous →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.
