Meticulous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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meticulous

[məˈtɪkjʊləs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

careful attention to detail

showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise

Synonyms

diligent, exact, precise, thorough.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
meticulous	Used when someone pays extremely close attention to detail, often going above and beyond what is necessary. She was meticulous in her research, double-checking every fact and reference
precise	Similar to 'exact,' but more commonly used in everyday contexts to emphasize accuracy and specificity. Her instructions were very precise, leaving no room for misunderstandings
thorough	Refers to someone or something that is comprehensive and careful, ensuring that no aspect is overlooked. The manager conducted a thorough review of the project, addressing every aspect of the work
exact	Used when something needs to be precisely correct or accurate, often in technical or scientific contexts. Make sure the measurements are exact, or the structure won't be stable
diligent	Describes someone who works hard and takes their responsibilities seriously, often showing perseverance and determination. He was a diligent student, always completing his assignments on time

Examples of usage

He was meticulous in his work, checking every detail multiple times.
She had a meticulous approach to organizing her schedule, color-coding each task.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

neat and tidy

showing great care and concern for cleanliness and order

Synonyms

clean, neat, orderly, tidy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
meticulous	Used when referring to someone who pays extreme attention to detail and is very careful in their actions. She was meticulous in her research, ensuring no data was overlooked
neat	Used when describing something that is organized, tidy, and in good order, often in a visually pleasing way. Her handwriting was neat and easy to read
tidy	Used when something is arranged neatly and in order, often implying a sense of regular maintenance and cleanliness. He keeps his room tidy by putting away things immediately after use
orderly	Used when referring to something that is arranged or organized systematically, often in a disciplined manner. Everything was placed in an orderly fashion, making it easy to find later
clean	Used when something is free from dirt, marks, or stains; also implies a sense of purity or freshness. The kitchen is clean and ready for cooking

Examples of usage

The kitchen was spotless, a testament to her meticulous cleaning routine.
His desk was always meticulously organized, with everything in its proper place.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

People who are meticulous often have higher standards and take longer to complete tasks due to their focus on accuracy.
Research shows that meticulousness can lead to success in both academic and professional settings, as it often correlates with conscientiousness.
However, being overly meticulous can sometimes cause stress and perfectionism, making it hard to finish projects.

Art and Craft

In fine arts, meticulous artists spend countless hours perfecting details in their paintings, creating intricate and stunning visuals.
Crafts such as model building or origami require meticulous attention to detail for successful outcomes, leading to beautifully crafted pieces.

Science

In scientific research, meticulous methodology is crucial for reproducibility and validity of results, ensuring experiments can be trusted.
Meticulous observation in fields like biology can lead to significant discoveries, as many important findings stem from careful data collection.

Business

In project management, meticulous planning can prevent costly mistakes and delays, thus ensuring the project's success.
Detail-oriented roles, such as quality assurance, emphasize meticulousness in checking products to maintain high standards and satisfaction.

Origin of 'meticulous'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'meticulosus,' meaning 'fearful' or 'timid,' which hints at the close attention to avoid mistakes.
In the 16th century, it evolved in English to emphasize being overly careful with details, often seen as a positive trait.

The word 'meticulous' originated from the Latin word 'meticulosus', which means fearful or timid. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to describe someone who is very careful and precise in their work. The term became popular in the English language in the mid-16th century and has since been used to describe individuals who pay close attention to detail and exhibit a high level of thoroughness and precision.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,687, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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15684 zirconium
15685 electrolysis
15686 whirling
15687 meticulous
15688 compress
15689 indisputable
15690 bounce
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