Punctual

Punctual is an adjective describing something that occurs at the appointed or expected time. It can refer to a person who arrives on time, an event that starts as scheduled, or a process that meets deadlines. In common usage, punctuality denotes the quality of being on time.

Etymology traces the word to French ponctuel, from Latin punctualis, derived from punctum meaning “point.” The sense conveyed is closely tied to timeliness and precision with respect to time points.

Usage and nuance: A punctual person is reliable in adhering to agreed times, and "punctual" is often used to praise someone for respecting others’ schedules. The term can apply to schedules, transportation, meetings, and deadlines. While generally positive, in some contexts excessive rigidity about time can be seen as inflexibility. In everyday language, a “punctual” event is one that begins at the scheduled moment, or within a brief tolerance.

Related terms include punctuality (the noun form), as well as on time, timely, and prompt. Antonyms are late or tardy, which describe failure to meet scheduled times. Examples: The train was punctual and arrived on the exact minute. She is known for being punctual to all her appointments.

See also: punctuality, timekeeping, reliability.