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

Though scrupulously executed, they often look self-satisfied and rhetorical.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

While the museum representation is scrupulously faithful to what is known of the original vessel's design and dimensions, it was built largely with fibreglass and other man-made materials.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

"He will, I am sure, be scrupulously correct and civil," he adds.

From BBC • Sep. 14, 2025

True to their stereotype, Canadians have remained scrupulously polite to the American expats interviewed for this story, but there have been some awkward moments.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2025

A man so conventional, so scrupulously correct as the Director—and to commit so gross a solecism!

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley

Related Words

• carefully
• meticulously