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Definition of punctilious - 3 dictionary results

punc⋅til⋅i⋅ous

  [puhngk-til-ee-uhs]
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–adjective
extremely attentive to punctilios; strict or exact in the observance of the formalities or amenities of conduct or actions.
Origin:
1625–35; punctili(o) + -ous

Related forms:
punc⋅til⋅i⋅ous⋅ly, adverb
punc⋅til⋅i⋅ous⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
precise, demanding; careful, conscientious. See scrupulous.

Antonyms:
careless.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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punc·til·i·ous   (pŭngk-tĭl'ē-əs)   
adj.  

  1. Strictly attentive to minute details of form in action or conduct. See Synonyms at meticulous.

  2. Precise; scrupulous.

punc·til'i·ous·ly adv., punc·til'i·ous·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

punctilious 
1634, probably from It. puntiglioso, from puntiglio "fine point," from L. punctum "prick" (see point).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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