Scrupulous
/ˈskruː.pjə.ləs/noun
Having a strong sense of right and wrong, or being extremely careful and precise.
Did you know?In Latin, a scrupulus was literally a small sharp stone, and that physical irritation became a metaphor for the nagging conscience that makes someone morally “careful.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sker-
“to cut, scratch, or make sharp”
Latin
Latin
scrupulus
“a small sharp stone; a nagging doubt or unease”
Late Latin
Latin
scrupulosus
“full of scruples; careful, exacting, conscientious”
Old French
Old French
scrupuleux
“scrupulous, conscientious; morally cautious”
Middle English
English
scrupulous
“careful, exact, morally conscientious”
Modern English
English
scrupulous
“having strong moral principles; very careful about detail”
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