First Known Use: 1675
Dictionary
punctual
adjective punc·tu·al \ˈpəŋk-chə-wəl, -chəl\
: arriving or doing something at the expected or planned time
Full Definition of PUNCTUAL
: being on time : prompt
— punc·tu·al·i·ty \ˌpəŋk-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē\ noun
— punc·tu·al·ly \ˈpəŋk-chə-wə-lē, -chə-lē\ adverb
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Origin of PUNCTUAL
Middle English, having a sharp point, from Medieval Latin punctualis of a point, from Latin punctus pricking, point, from pungere to prick — more at pungent
PUNCTUALLY Defined for Kids
punctual
adjective punc·tu·al \ˈpəŋk-chə-wəl\
Definition of PUNCTUAL for Kids
: arriving or acting at the right time : not late
— pun·tu·al·ly adverb
Word Root of PUNCTUAL
The Latin word pungere, meaning “to prick” or “to pierce,” and its form punctus give us the roots pung and punct. Words from the Latin pungere have something to do with pricking or piercing. To puncture is to pierce with something pointed. A pungent smell is one that is so strong and sharp that it pierces the nose. Someone punctual acts at the exact point when the hands of the clock prick the right moment. Punctuation pierces a string of words to form separate sentences.
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