Reading Theme:
Scrupulous: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：meticulously precise (scrupulous)
scrupulous
/ˈskruːpjələs/
adj.
doing something with great care and attention to detail, making sure everything is exactly right.
meticulously precise
➕
/məˈtɪkjələsli prɪˈsaɪs/
adj.
Being extremely careful, thorough, and attentive to even the smallest details to ensure absolute correctness.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'scrupulus' (a small sharp stone, anxiety) + '-ous' (adjective suffix).
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a scientist counting tiny pebbles (scruples) with a magnifying glass, being extremely careful.
📖 Example
The scientist was scrupulous in recording every single measurement during the experiment, even noting the room temperature.
The scientist recorded all data with extreme precision, including the room temperature.
🔗 Collocations
scrupulous attention to detail – Extremely careful focus on every small aspect
scrupulous records – Records kept with the utmost accuracy and completeness
scrupulous cleanliness – An exceptionally high standard of being clean and tidy
🔄 Synonyms
meticulous (adj.) – Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
thorough (adj.) – Performed or written with great care and completeness.
painstaking (adj.) – Done with or employing great care and thoroughness.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
scrupulously (adv.) – In a very careful and thorough way.
scrupulousness (n.) – The quality of being very careful to do things correctly and honestly.
📖 Cultural Story
Derives from Latin 'scrupulus', meaning a small, sharp stone. This evolved metaphorically to signify a feeling of anxiety or hesitation over moral details—like a tiny pebble in one's shoe—leading to its modern sense of extreme conscientiousness.
Meaning 2：morally principled (scrupulous)
scrupulous
/ˈskruːpjələs/
adj.
having strong moral principles and always trying to do what is right and fair.
morally principled
➕
/ˈmɔːrəli ˈprɪnsəpəld/
adj.
Acting according to a strict moral code, being honest, fair, and avoiding wrongdoing.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
As a journalist, she is scrupulous about verifying all her sources to avoid spreading misinformation.
The journalist double-checks all sources rigorously to prevent false reports.
🔗 Collocations
scrupulous honesty – An unwavering commitment to telling the truth
scrupulous fairness – The practice of treating everyone with absolute impartiality and justice
scrupulous adherence to rules – Following regulations or guidelines with strict exactness
🔄 Synonyms
conscientious (adj.) – Wishing to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly; governed by conscience.
ethical (adj.) – Relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these.
upright (adj.) – Morally correct; honest and responsible.
🚫 Antonyms
unprincipled (adj.) – Not acting in accordance with moral principles.
unethical (adj.) – Not morally correct or acceptable.
corrupt (adj.) – Having or showing a willingness to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain.
🌱 Derivatives
scrupulously (adv.) – In a very careful and thorough way.
scrupulousness (n.) – The quality of being very careful to do things correctly and honestly.
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