punctiliouslyadv.
/ˌpʌŋ(k)ˈtɪlɪəsli/, U.S. /ˌpəŋ(k)ˈtɪliəsli/ In a punctilious manner; with scrupulous attention to fine points of procedure, etiquette, or conduct.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > [adverb] > with propriety > with strict propriety
punctually1598
formally?1611
nicelya1616
punctiliously1698
the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > ceremony or formality > [adverb] > with observance of social formality
precisely1526
punctually1598
formally?1611
nicelya1616
punctiliously1698
starchly1755
pokerishly1867
1698 R. Ferguson View Ecclesiastick 43 I at length dispatched the foregoing Accusation against Mr. Alsop, tho with a tediousness that I will not strictly and punctiliously justify.
1754 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison VII. vii. 39 And you know not the struggle it cost me..to conceal my Love—Cost me, who ever was punctiliously studious to avoid engaging a young Lady's affections.
1796 F. Burney Camilla II. iii. 256 Mrs. Arlbery, in common with those who dispense with all forms for themselves, exacted them punctiliously from all others.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vi. 10 So conspicuous an example of good faith punctiliously observed.
1895 J. M. Falkner Lost Stradivarius x. 135 He performed punctiliously all those thousand little acts of devotion which are expected of an accepted lover.
1924 A. D. H. Smith Porto Bello Gold xvi. 214 Both her father and Murray held punctiliously to the polite usage of society in this respect.
1943 G. Greene Ministry of Fear iii. i. 179 Rowe stood up as though this were someone of great importance who must be greeted punctiliously.
1997 A. Yen Mah Falling Leaves xix. 188 He hurried down the stairs, past..the captain in his peaked cap punctiliously opening the sparkling glass door.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adv.1698