PERFECT GIFT IDEA!

The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

4.8

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 632 pages, 147 lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

Amazon Best Seller:

#1 Spelling & Vocabulary.

#1 Education TOEFL & TOEIC.

#1 Slang & Idiom Reference Books.

Transform Your Vocabulary Today!

punctual

adjective

/ˈpʌŋ(k)tʃʊəl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of punctual

Happening or doing something on time or adhering to a schedule or deadline.
"The punctual arrival of the train allowed us to catch our connecting flight."

Detailed meaning of punctual

It is an adjective that implies a sense of reliability and promptness. A punctual person is one who arrives or completes tasks on time, without being late. A punctual event or meeting is one that starts and ends on schedule.
Being punctual is often considered as a sign of respect and professionalism, as it shows that you value other people's time and that you are reliable and dependable. Punctuality is also important in business and other professional settings, as it can help to ensure that projects and tasks are completed on time and that deadlines are met.
However, punctuality can be affected by external factors, such as traffic, public transportation, weather and other unforeseen events, and it should be taken into account when assessing someone's punctuality.
In general, punctual refers to someone or something that is always on time or that adheres to a schedule or a deadline, it implies a sense of reliability and promptness and is often considered as a sign of respect and professionalism.

Example sentences containing punctual

1. She is always punctual for her morning meetings.
2. Being punctual is a sign of professionalism.
3. The train arrived right on time; it's very punctual.
4. The punctual completion of the project impressed the client.
5. Punctual attendance is essential in the military.
6. His punctual payment of bills improved his credit score.

History and etymology of punctual

The adjective 'punctual' finds its etymological origins in the Latin word 'punctualis,' which is derived from 'punctus,' meaning 'a point' or 'a small hole made by pricking.' This notion of a precise point in time or a small, specific moment is central to the evolution of the word's meaning. In the late 17th century, 'punctual' entered the English language, retaining its Latin essence, to describe someone or something that adhered closely to appointed times or schedules, arriving or performing tasks at the exact point in time specified. Thus, 'punctual' has come to represent the concept of timeliness and the ability to meet deadlines or appointments with precision, echoing its etymological roots in pinpoint accuracy and punctuality.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the adjective punctual:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of punctual

1. Punctual students never miss a class.
2. The airline prides itself on punctual departures.
3. A punctual start to the event ensures a smooth program.
4. Punctual delivery is crucial for customer satisfaction.
5. The punctual arrival of the bus saved her from being late.
6. He set a punctual example for his team to follow.
7. The punctual submission of the report was appreciated.
8. Punctual people tend to be more organized in their lives.
9. The teacher commended the students for their punctuality.
10. Punctual employees are an asset to any organization.
11. The airline strives to maintain a punctual flight schedule.
12. Punctual responses to emails enhance communication.
13. Punctual arrivals prevent disruptions in the classroom.
14. The concert started on time thanks to the punctual orchestra.
15. He was always punctual, never wasting a single minute of the time.
16. She was known for her punctuality, always arriving to meetings on time.
17. Being punctual is a sign of respect for others and for the value of time.
18. He was proud of his punctuality, never being late for a single appointment.
19. The punctual delivery of the goods ensured that the company met its deadlines.
20. She was punctual with her work and always completed her tasks on time.
21. He was punctual in paying his bills, never missing a due date.
22. The punctual service of the bus allowed us to reach our destination on time.
23. She was punctual with her studies and always completed her assignments ahead of schedule.
24. The punctual completion of the project was a testament to the team's dedication and efficiency.
25. He was punctual in his habits, always going to bed and getting up at the same time every day.