Word
scrupulous
Phoneticsscrupu·lous
US/ˈskɹupjəɫəs/
UK/skɹˈuːpjʊləs/
Definition
adj. describing someone who is extremely honest and careful to do what is right. It also describes someone who pays very close attention to every small detail.
adj. characterised by strict adherence to ethical principles or meticulous attention to minute details. Often used to describe professional conduct or academic rigor.
Examples
“She is scrupulous about keeping her promises.”
“The researcher was scrupulous in documenting every minor change in the experiment to ensure the results were valid.”
“A scrupulous examination of the historical records revealed several discrepancies that previous scholars had overlooked during their more cursory reviews.”
Examples
simple
“She is scrupulous about keeping her promises.”
contextual
“The researcher was scrupulous in documenting every minor change in the experiment to ensure the results were valid.”
complex
“A scrupulous examination of the historical records revealed several discrepancies that previous scholars had overlooked during their more cursory reviews.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “scrupulous” in context.
Verb
01. remain scrupulous
“Despite pressure from clients, the firm remained scrupulous in its advice.”
verb + adj
02. scrupulous about detail
“Good surgeons are scrupulous about hygiene and sterilisation.”
adj + prep + noun
Adjective
03. extremely scrupulous
“The committee was extremely scrupulous in checking every expense claim.”
adv + adj
04. highly scrupulous
“Voters expect highly scrupulous conduct from public officials.”
adv + adj
05. meticulously scrupulous
“She is meticulously scrupulous about sourcing and citing her research.”
adv + adj
06. painstakingly scrupulous
“The restorer was painstakingly scrupulous with the 17th-century painting.”
adv + adj
Noun
07. scrupulous attention
“He paid scrupulous attention to every clause in the contract.”
adj + noun
08. scrupulous care
“The archives were preserved with scrupulous care.”
adj + noun
09. be scrupulous about hygiene
“Hospital staff must be scrupulous about hygiene to prevent infection.”
10. be scrupulous in observing rules
“The referee was scrupulous in observing the tournament rules.”
11. pay scrupulous attention to detail
“A good editor pays scrupulous attention to detail before publication.”
12. remain scrupulous at all times
“Lawyers must remain scrupulous at all times when handling client money.”
Usage
Commonly followed by the preposition 'in' or 'about'.
Real-World Examples
“This truth-seeking enterprise requires a combination of scrupulous honesty and self-scrutiny, as well as courageous skepticism of all prevailing beliefs, including religious and ideological ones.” “De Beers says it is scrupulous in protecting the environment.” Etymology
From Middle French scrupuleux, which is derived from the Latin scrupulosus. The Latin root is scrupulus, the diminutive of scrupus, meaning a sharp or rough stone. In its original sense, the term described a small, irritating pebble that had found its way into one's shoe, a minor physical inconvenience that necessitated constant attention to one's path. By the 15th century, the anatomical annoyance had shifted to the conscience, describing the mental unease of a person who is as troubled by small moral errors as a traveller is by a stone in his boot.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- 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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