adj
scrupulous
SKROO-pyuh-luhs
adj
1
Extremely careful and thorough, paying close attention to detail and honesty.
"She kept scrupulous records of every expense."
"He was scrupulous about following the rules to the letter."
How to Use Scrupulous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishExtremely careful, honest, and precise, especially about doing things properly.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "unscrupulous," which means the opposite — dishonest or unprincipled.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
scrupulous attention to detail
scrupulously honest
scrupulous records
Word Forms
more scrupulous comparative, most scrupulous superlative
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Etymology
From Latin scrupulosus, related to scrupulus (a small sharp stone) — the image of a nagging pebble in one's shoe evolved into the sense of a nagging moral conscience.