- Today's Word
Punctilious
punk-TIL-ee-uhs
Definition
- (adjective) Showing great attention to detail or correct behavior, particularly in matters of etiquette or formality.
Example
The punctilious host ensured that every place setting was arranged with perfect precision before the guests arrived.
Fun Fact
“Punctilious” comes from the Italian puntiglio, meaning “a fine point” or “scruple,” which itself stems from the Latin punctum, meaning “point.” It is often associated with individuals who meticulously follow rules of decorum, from military officers to old-fashioned gentlemen. F. Scott Fitzgerald famously used the word to describe Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby, emphasizing Gatsby’s meticulous manners and carefully curated persona.
(adjective) Fluent and confident in speech, but shallow, insincere, or lacking thought.
His glib explanation sounded convincing, but it crumbled under basic questioning.
Mid 17th century: probably from Low German glibberig, meaning “slippery.”