Meticulous
/məˈtɪkjələs/
Definitions
Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
/məˈtɪkjələs/
She is a meticulous housekeeper, and everything in her home is always spotless.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who's super careful and pays attention to every little thing, like making sure all the Legos are exactly in the right spot. That's meticulous! Like when you're building a model and have to follow the instructions exactly.
👶 For kids: Being super careful and paying attention to every tiny detail, like when you're building with blocks and making sure everything is perfect!
More Examples
The detective conducted a meticulous investigation to solve the crime.
The surgeon performed the operation with meticulous precision.
How It's Used
"A meticulous scientist ensures accuracy in every experiment."
"The meticulous engineer reviewed every aspect of the blueprint."
"The artist's meticulous brushstrokes created a stunning portrait."
Idioms & expressions
meticulous attention to detail
Great care taken in small details.
"The company's success is due to its meticulous attention to detail in every stage of production."
From Latin *meticulosus* meaning "fearful, timid," later evolving to "careful, precise." It is derived from *metus* meaning "fear."
The word 'meticulous' has been used since the 17th century, initially carrying connotations of fear or timidity before evolving to its current meaning of carefulness.
Memory tip
Think of a person carefully checking every tiny METRIC unit; this is METICULOUS.