punctilious
/pʌŋkˈtɪli.əs/
Group 4Difficulty 3/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Showing great attention to detail or correct behavior GRE
Example in Context
The ambassador was punctilious in observing every diplomatic protocol, understanding that small gestures carry enormous weight.
Synonyms
precisemeticulousexact
Etymology
Refers to being precise and attentive to every detail.
- punctus (Latin) — point
Memory Aid
📝Sounds like “punctual list”
Imagine a punctual librarian who has a LIST of every book in perfect order — that's PUNCTILIOUS!
Visual Association
📏A meticulous student measuring every book on a shelf to ensure they're perfectly aligned.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “punctilious” mean on the GRE?
punctilious (adjective) means “Showing great attention to detail or correct behavior”. The ambassador was punctilious in observing every diplomatic protocol, understanding that small gestures carry enormous weight.
How to remember “punctilious” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “punctilious” sounds like “punctual list”. Imagine a punctual librarian who has a LIST of every book in perfect order — that's PUNCTILIOUS!
What are synonyms for “punctilious”?
Common synonyms: precise, meticulous, exact.