Word
meticulously
Phoneticsmetic·u·lous·ly
US/məˈtɪkjəɫəsɫi/
UK/mɛtˈɪkjʊləsli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. doing something with great care and attention to every small detail. You use this when someone works very hard to make sure everything is perfect.
adv. in a way that shows great attention to detail; very thoroughly and precisely.
Examples
“She meticulously planned every detail of the wedding.”
“The historian spent years meticulously checking every document in the archive to ensure the biography was accurate.”
“The restoration team meticulously cleaned the ancient fresco, using tiny brushes and specialized solutions to remove centuries of grime without damaging the original pigment.”
Examples
simple
“She meticulously planned every detail of the wedding.”
contextual
“The historian spent years meticulously checking every document in the archive to ensure the biography was accurate.”
complex
“The restoration team meticulously cleaned the ancient fresco, using tiny brushes and specialized solutions to remove centuries of grime without damaging the original pigment.”
Usage
Typically placed before the verb it modifies or at the end of the verb phrase.
Real-World Examples
“I put this to our resident Essex specialist Tim Burrows, who meticulously reported on a year of protests outside the Bell hotel in Epping.” “Meticulously researched history meets hilariously relatable misadventure in this surefire winner for 10+ Lottie Brooks fans.” Etymology
From meticulous + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/meticulously