What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
punctilio
Example
He was known for his punctilio when it came to following protocol. [punctilio: noun]
Example
She spoke with punctilio, carefully choosing her words and phrasing. [punctilio: adverb]
particular
Example
I'm looking for a particular book that I read about online. [particular: adjective]
Example
He's very particular about the type of coffee he drinks. [particular: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Particular is more commonly used than punctilio in everyday language, making it a more useful word for ESL learners to know.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between punctilio and particular?
Punctilio is more formal than particular, and is typically used in more formal contexts such as legal or diplomatic language.
