What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
meticulous
Example
The artist was meticulous in his painting, paying attention to every detail. [meticulous: adjective]
Example
She meticulously planned every aspect of her wedding, from the flowers to the seating arrangement. [meticulously: adverb]
precise
Example
The engineer made precise measurements to ensure the building was structurally sound. [precise: adjective]
Example
He precisely calculated the amount of ingredients needed for the recipe. [precisely: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Precise is more commonly used than meticulous in everyday language, as it is more versatile and can be used in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between meticulous and precise?
Both meticulous and precise are formal words that are appropriate for academic or professional writing. However, meticulous may be perceived as more formal due to its less frequent usage in everyday language.
