punctilieux

Punctilieux is a French adjective meaning extremely attentive to correct procedure, especially in matters of etiquette, rules, and fine points. A punctilieux person is scrupulous about detail, precise in conduct, and careful to observe established norms. The nuance emphasizes sensitivity to etiquette and protocol as well as accuracy in small particulars, rather than mere speed or efficiency.

Etymology: The term is of French origin, formed from the root punct- “point” with the adjectival suffix -eux. It conveys the sense of attending to every point or detail of a rule or custom. The word has been attested in French from the early modern period and has cognate resonance in English through the adjective punctilious.

Usage: In modern French, punctilieux can sound somewhat archaic or literary; everyday writing more often uses scrupuleux or méticuleux for “scrupulous” or “meticulous.” In English, punctilious is the common loanword equivalent, while punctilieux is encountered mainly in translations or literary contexts.

See also: Synonyms include scrupulous, meticulous, fastidious, and pedantic; related concepts include etiquette and protocol. Distinct from punctual, which relates to timeliness, punctilieux focuses on adherence to points of detail and formal conduct.