Scrupulousness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scrupulousness

[ˈskruːpjələsnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

quality of being careful and thorough

Scrupulousness is the quality of being very careful to do things properly and correctly.

Synonyms

conscientiousness, diligence, meticulousness.

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Word Description / Examples
scrupulousness

Used when stressing the importance of adhering to high moral or ethical standards.

  • The journalist's scrupulousness ensured that all the facts were checked before publishing the story
conscientiousness

Refers to being careful and putting a lot of effort into work or duties.

  • Her conscientiousness in completing the project was appreciated by her team
meticulousness

Indicates great attention to detail and accuracy.

  • The meticulousness of the artist could be seen in every brushstroke of the painting
diligence

Used to highlight consistent and earnest effort to accomplish a task.

  • His diligence in studying every day resulted in excellent exam scores

Examples of usage

  • He conducted the experiments with scrupulousness to ensure accurate results.
  • Her scrupulousness in checking the details of the contract saved the company from potential legal issues.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Individuals with high scrupulousness often experience anxiety about moral implications, leading to overthinking everyday decisions.
  • This characteristic can sometimes lead to 'scrupulosity', a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder where a person feels excessively guilty about actions or thoughts.
  • Research indicates that people with strong scruples might have higher levels of resilience against unethical influences in social situations.

Literature

  • Numerous literary characters embody scrupulousness, often facing moral dilemmas that highlight their integrity, such as Atticus Finch in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.
  • In Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet', the title character’s indecision can be seen as a reflection of scrupulousness in confronting ethical choices.
  • Classic narratives often contrast scrupulous characters with those lacking moral vigilance, increasing tension in the storytelling.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, scrupulousness is associated with virtue and integrity, often celebrated in proverbs and folk tales emphasizing honesty.
  • Religious texts across various faiths promote scrupulousness as a sign of moral fortitude, encouraging adherents to act ethically in all areas of life.
  • Leaders and role models in various cultures are frequently idealized for their scrupulous nature, inspiring others to uphold similar values.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Kant regarded scrupulousness as essential to moral reasoning, linking it to the concept of duty and ethical obligations.
  • Ethics discussions often revolve around the implications of being scrupulous in actions versus being pragmatic and flexible in moral choices.
  • Debates in moral philosophy frequently emphasize the importance of scrupulous conduct in fostering trust and social cooperation.

Origin of 'scrupulousness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'scrupulus', which means 'a small stone', symbolizing a tiny doubt or moral hesitation in making decisions.
  • In the 14th century, it evolved to describe a person's conscience and the carefulness in their actions.
  • Before 'scrupulousness' became widely used, similar terms related to moral carefulness were common in medieval literature.

The word 'scrupulousness' originated from the Latin word 'scrupulus', which means a small sharp stone. This term was used in ancient Rome to refer to a unit of weight or a small unit of measurement. Over time, the word evolved to represent a feeling of unease or doubt about a moral issue. The concept of scrupulousness as a quality of being careful and thorough developed in the English language around the 17th century.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,009, 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.