Definition
Meticulous refers to a person or process that is extremely careful, thorough, and precise in attention to detail. It involves paying close attention to small and often trivial details and striving for perfection in the work being done.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
Precise, fastidious, exact, thorough, scrupulous, careful, conscientious, diligent, methodical
Antonyms
Careless, sloppy, hasty, negligent, slapdash, casual, cursory, reckless
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | meticulosities, meticulousnesses, meticulousness, meticulosity |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | meticulous |
| Adverb | meticulously |
Example Sentences
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The artist’s meticulous attention to detail was evident in the intricate patterns and fine lines of her drawings.
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The construction team was praised for their meticulous planning and execution of the project, which resulted in a flawless finished product.
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The editor’s meticulous proofreading ensured that the document was free from any errors or typos.
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The researcher’s meticulous record-keeping allowed her to trace the origins of the virus outbreak to its source.
Usage
Meticulous is derived from the Latin word “meticulosus,” which means fearful or timid. The word has evolved to mean the opposite of careless or hasty, suggesting a person or process that is extremely careful and thorough in attention to detail.
The suffix “-ous” is added to meticul- to form the adjective, which means characterized by or relating to a meticulous nature. The word meticulous implies a degree of perfectionism and a high standard of quality in the work being done.
The word meticulous can be used in a wide range of contexts, such as art, science, engineering, and business, to describe a person or process that pays close attention to small details and strives for excellence in the work being done. It suggests a level of care and diligence that is often associated with high-quality workmanship, precision, and accuracy.
In contrast, the antonyms of meticulous, such as careless or sloppy, imply a lack of attention to detail or a disregard for quality, which can lead to mistakes, errors, and inconsistencies in the work being done. Therefore, using meticulous approach helps to ensure that all necessary steps are taken with care and precision, which can lead to more accurate, consistent, and high-quality results.