punctual
Being on time and not late. It describes a person who arrives or an action that happens at the exact scheduled time.
Examples
3 of 5I try to be punctual for lunch with my friends.
I try to be punctual for lunch with my friends.
Please ensure you are punctual for the official ceremony.
Please ensure you are punctual for the official ceremony.
My brother is never punctual; he is always ten minutes late.
My brother is never punctual; he is always ten minutes late.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Point'. A punctual person arrives exactly at the 'point' in time they promised.
Quick Quiz
The train service is very ______; it always leaves at exactly 8:00 AM.
Correct!
The correct answer is: punctual
Examples
I try to be punctual for lunch with my friends.
everydayI try to be punctual for lunch with my friends.
Please ensure you are punctual for the official ceremony.
formalPlease ensure you are punctual for the official ceremony.
My brother is never punctual; he is always ten minutes late.
informalMy brother is never punctual; he is always ten minutes late.
Students are expected to be punctual for all university lectures.
academicStudents are expected to be punctual for all university lectures.
Being punctual for client meetings shows professionalism and respect.
businessBeing punctual for client meetings shows professionalism and respect.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
punctual to the minute
punctual to the minute
as punctual as a clock
as punctual as a clock
please be punctual
please be punctual
Often Confused With
Punctual means being on time for a specific event, while prompt often means doing something quickly or without delay.
Usage Notes
Use this adjective to describe a person's habit of arriving on time or to describe an event that starts exactly when planned.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'punctual' as a noun. Instead of saying 'He has good punctual', you should say 'He is punctual' or 'He has good punctuality'.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Point'. A punctual person arrives exactly at the 'point' in time they promised.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'punctuālis', coming from 'punctum', which means a point.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western and East Asian business cultures, being punctual is seen as a sign of respect and reliability.
Quick Quiz
The train service is very ______; it always leaves at exactly 8:00 AM.
Correct!
The correct answer is: punctual
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
A plan that lists events, tasks, or appointments along with...
appointmentA formal arrangement to meet or visit someone at a particula...
deadlineA deadline is a specific point in time or a date by which a...
delayA situation where something happens later than planned or ex...
clockA clock is a device used to measure, keep, and indicate time...
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