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Question

In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, select the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word.

Meticulous

The correct answer is

Perfectionist

Understanding the Word Meticulous and its Meaning

The question asks for the word that best expresses the meaning of "Meticulous". Let's break down what "Meticulous" means.

The word meticulous describes someone who pays extreme attention to detail; someone who is very careful and precise about their work or actions. They strive for thoroughness and accuracy, often to the point of being overly concerned with minor details.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the given options and compare them to the meaning of "Meticulous":

  • Option 1: Perfectionist
  • A perfectionist is someone who refuses to accept any standard short of perfection. They strive for flawless results and often pay close attention to every detail to avoid errors. This aligns closely with the meaning of being meticulous, as both involve a high degree of care, precision, and attention to detail in the pursuit of excellence or flawlessness.
  • Option 2: Sloppy
  • The word sloppy means careless and unsystematic, often resulting in untidy or messy work. This is the direct opposite of being meticulous, which involves great care and order.
  • Option 3: Inaccurate
  • The word inaccurate means not correct or precise. While a meticulous person aims to avoid inaccuracy through carefulness, "inaccurate" itself describes the result of carelessness, not the careful process or mindset.
  • Option 4: Faulty
  • The word faulty means not working or made correctly; having defects. Like "inaccurate," it describes a state of imperfection or error, which a meticulous person tries to prevent, but it doesn't describe the careful nature of the person themselves.

Determining the Best Fit

Comparing the options, "Perfectionist" is the term that most closely captures the essence of "Meticulous." Both words describe individuals who are extremely careful, pay close attention to detail, and strive for high standards or flawlessness in their work.

Detailed Comparison of Meticulous and Perfectionist

Term Key Characteristics Relationship to the Other Term
Meticulous Pays extreme attention to details; Very careful and precise; Thorough A perfectionist is often meticulous in their pursuit of perfection. Meticulousness is a characteristic exhibited by many perfectionists.
Perfectionist Strives for flawlessness; Refuses to accept errors; Demands very high standards Meticulous attention to detail is a common method used by a perfectionist to achieve their goal of perfection.

While not perfect synonyms in all contexts, in the context of describing someone who is very careful and detail-oriented, "Perfectionist" is the best match among the given choices for expressing the meaning of "Meticulous".

Revision Table: Related Vocabulary

Word Meaning Relation to Meticulous
Diligent Having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties. Similar, emphasizes hard work and care.
Scrupulous Diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details; also, concerned to avoid doing wrong. Very similar, often used interchangeably with meticulous.
Careful Avoiding potential dangers or mistakes; meticulous. A broader term, meticulous means extremely careful.
Precise Marked by exactness and accuracy of expression or detail. A result of being meticulous.

Additional Information on Meticulous Meaning and Usage

The word "meticulous" comes from the Latin word 'metus', meaning fear. Originally, it meant 'fearful' or 'timid'. Over time, its meaning evolved to describe someone who is so careful they seem afraid of making mistakes, leading to the current sense of being extremely careful and precise.

Understanding root words can sometimes help in grasping the nuances of vocabulary. In modern usage, "meticulous" is generally a positive trait when describing work ethic or craftsmanship, highlighting thoroughness and high quality.

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Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms

  1. Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    He had the audacity to blame him.

  2. Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    There is exponential growth in the development of the scientific researches in the recent few decades.

  3. Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    The itinerary of the group’s visit to the hills was given to everyone. 

  4. Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    All mortal elements are impermanent.

  5. Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    The novel depicts the hapless status of certain sections of society.  

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