meticulous

/məˈtɪkjʊləs/adjective

Extremely careful about small details; precise and thorough.

Example sentence

“The watchmaker was meticulous, checking each tiny part twice.”

Praise today, but its Latin root means fearful; the sense drifted from anxious to painstakingly careful.

Featured as word of the day on April 10, 2026.

Related words

metricRelating to the system of measurement based on metres, grams, and litres.methodicalDone carefully, step by step, following an orderly plan.microphoneA piece of equipment that turns sound into an electrical signal so it can be recorded, amplified, or broadcast.mesmerizeTo hold someone's complete attention, as if by magic; to fascinate.midwifeA trained professional, traditionally a woman, who helps mothers during childbirth without being a doctor.merryCheerful, lively, and full of fun.