showing great attention to detail and correct behavior
example
The punctilious employee always ensured that every document was perfectly formatted and submitted on time.
synonyms
meticulousdiligentexacting
word origin — The word 'punctilious' comes from the Latin 'punctum', meaning 'point', combined with the suffix '-ious', indicating quality or condition. It originally referred to being precise or correct in conduct.
SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 190
Set 190 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: punctilious, miserly, somnolent, surly, voracious. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
punctilious · adjective/pʌŋkˈtɪl.jəs/
showing great attention to detail and correct behavior
The punctilious employee always ensured that every document was perfectly formatted and submitted on time.
Synonyms: meticulous, diligent, exacting
Origin: The word 'punctilious' comes from the Latin 'punctum', meaning 'point', combined with the suffix '-ious', indicating quality or condition. It originally referred to being precise or correct in conduct.
miserly · adjective/ˈmaɪ.zɚ.li/
excessively reluctant to spend money or use resources
His miserly habits meant he rarely treated his friends to a meal, always opting for cheaper options.
Synonyms: stingy, miser, parsimonious
Origin: derived from the Middle English 'miserly', from 'miser' meaning 'miserable' or 'wretched', influenced by Latin 'miser' meaning 'wretched' or 'miserable'.
somnolent · adjective/ˈsɑːmnələnt/
drowsy or inclined to sleep
After a long day at work, I felt somnolent and struggled to keep my eyes open during dinner.
Synonyms: drowsy, sleepy, lethargic
Origin: from Latin 'somnolentem', meaning 'sleepy', derived from 'somnus', meaning 'sleep'
surly · adjective/ˈsɜrli/
bad-tempered and unfriendly
Despite the cheerful atmosphere of the café, the surly barista made customers feel unwelcome with his constant frowns.
Synonyms: grumpy, irritable, sullen
Origin: Middle English 'serl', from Old French 'sourcil' meaning 'sour, surly'.
voracious · adjective/vəˈreɪʃəs/
having a strong desire or eagerness to consume a large amount of something
She has a voracious appetite for knowledge, always reading multiple books at once.
Synonyms: gluttonous, ravenous, insatiable
Origin: From Latin 'vorax', meaning 'devouring' or 'greedy', derived from 'vorare' which means 'to devour'.