What does meticulosity mean?
Meticulosity refers to the quality of being meticulous, characterized by great attention to detail and a desire to do things correctly. This trait is often valued in professions that require precision, such as medicine, engineering, or the arts. A person exhibiting meticulosity is likely to be thorough and precise in their work, but may also risk being overly critical or perfectionistic. The term is often used to describe someone who is fastidious or scrupulous in their approach to tasks. Overall, meticulosity is a useful trait for achieving high standards, but it can also be a hindrance if taken to extremes.
nounThe quality of being meticulous; great attention to detail.
- The quality of being meticulous
- A tendency to be excessively concerned with details
"The chef's meticulosity in preparing the dish was evident in every precisely chopped vegetable."
"The artist's meticulosity in crafting every detail of the sculpture was impressive."
"Her meticulosity sometimes made it difficult for her to make decisions quickly."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of meticulosity
The word 'meticulosity' originated from the Latin 'meticulosus', meaning 'fearful' or 'anxious', which is derived from 'metuere', 'to fear'. The term evolved to describe a tendency to be excessively concerned with details, likely due to a fear of making mistakes. The word entered the English language in the 17th century.
Usage notes
Meticulosity generally has a positive connotation, implying a high level of care and attention to detail. However, in some contexts, it can suggest an excessive focus on minor details.