meticulous
Showing great attention to detail; very careful
Examples
In a meeting
“She's meticulous about checking all calculations before submitting reports.”
Over coffee
“He's meticulous when it comes to organizing his closet.”
Why this word
careful
Careful is general caution, while meticulous specifically means extreme attention to minute details
thorough
Thorough means complete coverage, while meticulous emphasizes painstaking precision with small details
detailed
Detailed means including many particulars, while meticulous conveys fastidious, even excessive attention to every tiny element
Usage tip
Use to describe someone or something that shows extreme care with details; implies thoroughness
Etymology
Latin: meticulosus, from metus 'fear', originally meaning 'fearful' but evolved to mean 'careful'
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A subtle difference in meaning, expression, or approach; a fine distinction.
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