English Reference
Adverb

meticulously

adv. manner
C1 Advanced US /məˈtɪkjəɫəsɫi/ UK /mɛtˈɪkjʊləsli/ metic·u·lous·ly

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.


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.

I put this to our resident Essex specialist Tim Burrows, who meticulously reported on a year of protests outside the Bell hotel in Epping.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

Meticulously researched history meets hilariously relatable misadventure in this surefire winner for 10+ Lottie Brooks fans.

The Guardian· 26 Jun 2026

From meticulous + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated