scrupulously

American  

[skroo-pyuh-luhs-lee] / ˈskru pyə ləs li /

adverb

1. in a way that shows strict regard for moral standards or principles.

   He has a reputation as a consistently hardworking and scrupulously honest and fair newspaperman.

2. in a way that shows care or precision.

   The authors have scrupulously researched the culinary culture of the early 18th century.

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Other Word Forms

• hyperscrupulously
  adverb
• underscrupulously
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of scrupulously

scrupulous ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

To do something scrupulously is to do it very carefully. It's the opposite of doing something sloppily. To be scrupulous is to be careful, exact, and conscientious, so to do something scrupulously is to give it close attention and to strive for perfection. Diligent workers do their jobs scrupulously. A teacher who provides students with extra tutoring is behaving scrupulously. An accountant who does your taxes scrupulously is not likely to make a mistake. The Latin root word is scrupulus, literally "a small, sharp stone," and figuratively meaning "uneasiness or pricking of conscience."

Example Sentences

Scrupulously directed by John Vreeke, the actors unflinching lay bare the scars, physical and emotional, of their characters, all of whom are struggling to bear the weight of their difficult lives.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 16, 2018

Scrupulously hewing to both the scriptures of Catholic dogma and the strictures of a PG-13 rating, director Mikael Hafstrom forsakes horror for atmosphere.

From Time • Jan. 28, 2011

Scrupulously honest, he detects sham of all kinds instantly.

From Time Magazine Archive

Scrupulously clean in the matter of major morals, it advertises such minor vices as breaking jail, roulette and spilling water on the table cloth.

From Time Magazine Archive

Scrupulously he divided the food in half, taking pains even with the crumbs.

From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

Related Words

• carefully
• meticulously