What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
meticulously
Example
The artist meticulously painted every detail of the portrait. [meticulously: adverb]
Example
She meticulously planned every aspect of the event to ensure its success. [meticulously: adverb]
carefully
Example
He carefully crossed the street, looking both ways before stepping off the curb. [carefully: adverb]
Example
The chef carefully measured each ingredient to ensure the recipe turned out perfectly. [carefully: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Carefully is more commonly used than meticulously in everyday language. Carefully is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while meticulously is more specialized and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between meticulously and carefully?
Meticulously has a more formal and precise connotation than carefully, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Therefore, meticulously is more appropriate for formal or technical writing, while carefully can be used in a wider range of situations.
