Scrupulous
Adjective
Definition: (of a person or process) careful, thorough, and extremely attentive to details.
Definition: diligent, principled, and having high moral standards.
Synonyms: Careful, Meticulous, Conscientious, Thorough, Diligent
Antonyms: Careless, Negligent, Sloppy, Unscrupulous
- The lawyer was known for his scrupulous attention to detail in preparing legal documents.
- The scientist conducted a scrupulous experiment to ensure accurate results.
- She always acts in a scrupulous manner, never compromising her principles.
- "Scrupulous" sounds similar to "scrub," which can remind you of someone who scrubs diligently and thoroughly.
- Think of someone carefully examining every scruple or moral concern.
Etymology:
Middle English (in the sense 'timid, morally strict'): from Old French scrupuleux or Latin scrupulosus, from scrupulus 'small sharp stone' (related to 'scrape'). The early sense of the verb (late 17th century) was 'treat with scruple or doubt.'
Historical Usage:The word "scrupulous" has been used since medieval times, evolving from the meaning of being timid or cautious to the current connotation of being meticulous and having high moral standards.
Related Idioms:
"Scrupulous about"
Explanation:Used to describe someone who is extremely careful and meticulous when dealing with a specific matter or topic. For example, "She is scrupulous about her diet, carefully monitoring every ingredient she consumes."
Misconceptions:
Confusing "scrupulous" with "scurrilous."
Explanation:"Scrupulous" refers to being careful, diligent, and having high moral standards, while "scurrilous" means making or spreading scandalous claims or remarks about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation. These words have different meanings and should not be confused.