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meticulous

adjective

/mɪˈtɪkjʊləs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of meticulous

Describing a person's attention to detail or a level of thoroughness that is extremely careful and precise.
"The tailor was meticulous in his stitching, making sure that every seam was perfect."

Detailed meaning of meticulous

When someone is described as meticulous, it means they take great care and precision in their work, ensuring that every task is completed with the utmost accuracy and diligence. Meticulous individuals pay close attention to even the smallest details, leaving no room for error or oversight. This quality is often highly valued in professions and tasks that require precision, such as scientific research, engineering, art restoration, or quality control. Being meticulous is a sign of dedication and a commitment to achieving excellence in one's work, and it often results in high-quality outcomes.

Example sentences containing meticulous

1. She was meticulous in her cleaning, making sure that every surface was spotless.
2. He was meticulous in his work, double-checking every detail before submitting it.
3. She was meticulous in her research, leaving no stone unturned in her quest for information.
4. The artist was meticulous in his craft, spending hours perfecting every brushstroke.
5. He was meticulous in his planning, making sure that every aspect of the project was accounted for.
6. The scientist was meticulous in his experiments, recording every detail in his lab notebook.

History and etymology of meticulous

The adjective 'meticulous' finds its origins in the Latin word 'meticulosus,' which means 'fearful' or 'timid.' This Latin term, in turn, is derived from 'metus,' meaning 'fear.' Over time, the meaning of 'meticulous' evolved from denoting a sense of fear or anxiety to describing extreme attention to detail and precision. The transition in meaning likely occurred because someone who is excessively careful and thorough in their actions may appear to do so out of a sense of fear or anxiety, as if they are afraid of making mistakes. Thus, the etymology of 'meticulous' reflects the transformation of a word associated with fear into one that characterizes a person's exceptional diligence and precision.

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Further usage examples of meticulous

1. He was meticulous in his grooming, taking great care to look presentable at all times.
2. She was meticulous in her bookkeeping, making sure that every transaction was recorded accurately.
3. The mechanic was meticulous in his work, ensuring that every part was in perfect working order.
4. He was meticulous in his attention to detail, noticing even the smallest error.
5. She was meticulous in her preparation for the presentation, rehearsing every point multiple times.
6. The surgeon performed the intricate procedure with meticulous precision.
7. The artist paid meticulous attention to every brushstroke, creating a masterpiece.
8. The detective examined the crime scene with a meticulous eye for detail.
9. The accountant double-checked the financial statements with meticulous care.
10. The architect drafted the blueprints with meticulous measurements and specifications.
11. The researcher conducted a meticulous literature review to ensure comprehensive knowledge.
12. The tailor sewed each garment with meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring flawless stitching.
13. The editor proofread the manuscript with meticulous scrutiny, catching every error.
14. The gardener tended to the plants with meticulous care, ensuring their health and growth.
15. The historian compiled the historical records with meticulous accuracy, preserving the truth.
16. The designer arranged the exhibition with meticulous attention to aesthetics and layout.
17. The chef prepared the dish with meticulous presentation, garnishing each plate with precision.
18. The photographer captured the scene with meticulous composition, balancing light and framing.
19. The teacher graded the students' assignments with meticulous fairness and objectivity.
20. The lawyer prepared the legal documents with meticulous detail, leaving no room for ambiguity.
21. The engineer conducted the experiment with meticulous methodology, controlling variables precisely.
22. The project manager planned the project timeline with meticulous organization, ensuring efficient execution.
23. The researcher analyzed the data with meticulous statistical analysis, drawing accurate conclusions.
24. The collector curated the art collection with meticulous curation, showcasing each piece thoughtfully.
25. The software developer wrote the code with meticulous documentation, making it easy to understand and maintain.