Word
punctual
Phoneticspunc·tu·al, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpəŋktʃuəɫ/
UK/pˈʌŋktʃuːəl/
Definition
adj. arriving or happening exactly on time. You use this to describe someone who is not late for meetings or appointments.
adj. arriving or occurring exactly at the scheduled or expected time. Often used to describe a person's reliability in time management.
Examples
“He is very punctual and always arrives before the meeting starts.”
“The train is usually punctual, so we should not worry about being late for our flight.”
“Maintaining a punctual schedule is essential for the success of the project, as every team member must synchronize their efforts to meet the final deadline.”
Examples
simple
“He is very punctual and always arrives before the meeting starts.”
contextual
“The train is usually punctual, so we should not worry about being late for our flight.”
complex
“Maintaining a punctual schedule is essential for the success of the project, as every team member must synchronize their efforts to meet the final deadline.”
Etymology
Borrowed from Medieval Latin pūnctuālis (“relating to a point”), from Late Latin pūnctus (“point”) + -ālis (adjective suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/punctual