punctiliously
1
9.1
- adverb
- /pʌŋkˈtɪliəsli/
- Formal
:
puntualmente
- She thought of the jury, punctiliously splitting that hair between "reasonable doubt" and "shadow of a doubt" so that he could remain alive.
Examples
-
The federal government can promulgate regulations designed to protect the human subjects of research investigations, and scientific investigators may follow these regulations faithfully and punctiliously.
Academic text (1991) -
He reached his conclusion and announced it punctiliously: "I will come in beside you and you will drive where I say."
Fiction book (1994) -
She liked things to be punctiliously correct, my mother.
-
But the doctors should have used their responsible professional judgment instead of punctiliously adhering to the letter of the law.
Blog text (4) -
The trial judge may have punctiliously performed the duties of his office in this case, but when considering the large number of "consent" cases that have come before us.
Academic text (2018) -
Dull anger of mathematics—punctiliously, religiously, they call Nuzhat my "half sister."
Academic text (1992) -
He prepared the report punctiliously, ensuring every detail was accurate and well-presented.
-
The wedding planner executed the ceremony punctiliously, paying attention to every small detail.
-
She dressed punctiliously for the formal dinner, making sure her outfit met all the etiquette guidelines.
Synonyms
978
1.0
In a way that shows attention and caution to avoid mistakes or harm
32
8.3
With great care and close attention to small details
14
4.9
In a very careful and strict way that follows rules closely
7
6.9
Act in a very careful and honest way that notices small details
5
5.4
To do something carefully because you feel responsible
2
7.7
In a careful way that pays attention to small details and keeps things clean
Antonyms
How Carefully
32
8.3
- Formal
1
9.1
978
1.0
9
3.0
20
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
punctiliously = punctilious (transparent) = punctilio + ous + ly
Formation from the adjective 'punctilious' to the adverb by adding the productive suffix '-ly' is a standard and predictable process.
Etymology
Punctiliously comes from the root punct- meaning 'point', as in the word punctual and the everyday word 'point'. So to act punctiliously is to pay attention 'point by point' to small details and rules, doing things very carefully and exactly.