What does meticulous mean?
Meticulous describes a person, process, or piece of work that is exceptionally careful, precise, and attentive to detail. Someone meticulous might inspect every document, keep exact records, or plan each stage of a project so that no error goes unnoticed. The word is commonly used in professional contexts such as research, editing, craftsmanship, administration, and quality control, where it conveys diligence and reliability. It can also have a mildly critical sense: describing someone as overly meticulous may suggest that they fuss over trivial matters or pursue perfection at an unnecessary cost. Meticulous is related in meaning to careful, thorough, fastidious, and scrupulous, but it usually places particular emphasis on precision and close attention to small details. Its historical connection with measuring and small units makes it a memorable example of how a word can shift from literal smallness to figuratively exacting attention.
adjectiveVery careful and precise, with close attention to detail. It can also describe work or behaviour that is painstakingly thorough, sometimes to the point of being overly fussy.
- Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
- Painstakingly thorough, sometimes excessively concerned with small details.
"The researcher kept meticulous records of every stage of the experiment."
"Her meticulous preparation left no detail unexamined."
"The restoration required meticulous care and a steady hand."
Meticulous descends from a Latin word associated with tiny coins, giving this exacting word a delightfully unexpected monetary beginning.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of meticulous
Meticulous comes through French from Latin meticulōsus, meaning careful or painstaking. The Latin word was derived from metīcula, a diminutive associated with a small coin and ultimately connected with metior, “to measure.” The modern sense developed from attention to minute details to the broader idea of being exacting and thorough.
Related word forms
How meticulous is actually used
The word is formal and generally positive, especially in professional and academic contexts. When describing behaviour it can imply excessive fussiness or perfectionism.