scrupulous
Say it: SKROO-pyuh-lus /ˈskruːpjʊləs/ · adjective
What “scrupulous” means
Careful and thorough, making sure you do nothing wrong.
More precisely: Very careful and thorough, and anxious to avoid doing anything wrong.
Example: “Be scrupulous with expenses; one dodgy taxi receipt can end a career.”
When to use it
When someone takes great care to be accurate, fair or honest. A positive, formal description of work or behaviour.
Similar words
honest, careful, principled
Where it comes from
From Latin scrupulus, a small sharp stone, figuratively a source of unease.
Quick check
A cashier spots a small mistake and carefully returns the extra change, even though the customer never noticed. She's…
scrupulous or fastidious?
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scrupulous
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