Meticulousness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔍
Add to dictionary

meticulousness

[məˌtɪkjəˈləsnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

attention to detail

The quality of being meticulous; precision and thoroughness in actions and work.

Synonyms

accuracy, precision, thoroughness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
meticulousness

Used when referring to extreme attention to detail and careful planning, often in contexts like art, design, and quality control.

  • Her meticulousness in organizing the event ensured everything went smoothly
  • The artist's meticulousness is evident in the intricate details of the painting
precision

Best used when referring to an exact match or performance, often in technical, scientific, or medical contexts.

  • The precision of the instrument is vital for performing such delicate surgeries
  • Her precision in typing ensures no errors in the final document
thoroughness

Refers to the completeness and detail-oriented approach, typically in contexts like research, investigations, and project planning.

  • The thoroughness of his research impressed the entire committee
  • The mechanic's thoroughness in examining the car ensured it was safe to drive
accuracy

Applied in contexts where correctness and exactness are important, such as calculations, measurements, and reporting data.

  • The accuracy of the data is crucial for the success of the experiment
  • His accuracy in shooting made him the best player on the team

Examples of usage

  • She approached the task with meticulousness, checking every detail twice.
  • His meticulousness in handling the delicate equipment ensured its proper functioning.
  • The success of the project was attributed to the team's meticulousness in planning and execution.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People who exhibit meticulousness often have a high level of conscientiousness, a trait linked to better academic and job performance.
  • Studies show that meticulous individuals can experience anxiety, as their fear of making mistakes can lead to overthinking.

Pop Culture

  • In film and literature, meticulous characters are often portrayed as obsessive or perfectionist, such as in the classic character of Sherlock Holmes.
  • Many successful artists, writers, and designers emphasize meticulousness as a key part of their creative process, ensuring every detail enhances their work.

Science

  • In scientific research, meticulousness is crucial for accurate results. Minor errors can significantly impact data interpretation.
  • Meticulous methods in lab work can lead to groundbreaking discoveries, as even the smallest detail can reveal essential insights.

Art

  • In the art world, meticulous techniques are celebrated in styles such as pointillism, where artists focus on applying tiny dots with precision.
  • Famous artists known for their meticulousness include Leonardo da Vinci, whose detailed studies and sketches showcase extreme care in each element.

Origin of 'meticulousness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'meticulous' comes from the Latin word 'meticulosus', which means 'fearful' or 'timid', showing how a fear of making mistakes can lead to carefulness.
  • It appeared in the English language in the late 15th century, initially meaning 'timid' before evolving to its current connotation of precision.

The word 'meticulousness' originated from the Latin word 'meticulosus', meaning fearful or timid. Over time, the meaning evolved to denote careful attention to detail and precision. The term gained popularity in the English language in the early 19th century, highlighting the importance of being meticulous in various endeavors.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,710, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.