English Dictionary

PUNCTUAL

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does punctual mean? 

PUNCTUAL (adjective)
  The adjective PUNCTUAL has 1 sense:

1. acting or arriving or performed exactly at the time appointedplay

  Familiarity information: PUNCTUAL used as an adjective is very rare.


 Dictionary entry details 


PUNCTUAL (adjective)


Sense 1

Meaning:

Acting or arriving or performed exactly at the time appointed

Synonyms:

on time; punctual

Context example:

she is always on time for class

Similar:

prompt (according to schedule or without delay; on time)

timely (before a time limit expires)

Antonym:

unpunctual (not punctual; after the appointed time)

Derivation:

punctuality (the quality or habit of adhering to an appointed time)


 Context examples 


I was always punctual at the office; at the Doctor's too: and I really did work, as the common expression is, like a cart-horse.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

“Yes, half-past nine,” said Crawford to William as the latter was leaving them, “and I shall be punctual, for there will be no kind sister to get up for me.”

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Mr. Collins was punctual to his time, and was received with great politeness by the whole family.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

Why were not they more punctual?

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

This is all very provoking to Miss Scatcherd, who is naturally neat, punctual, and particular.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

Every body was punctual, every body in their best looks: not a tear, and hardly a long face to be seen.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

Mr. Harris was punctual in his second visit;—but he came to be disappointed in his hopes of what the last would produce.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

MY father’s appointment with Lord Nelson was an early one, and he was the more anxious to be punctual as he knew how much the Admiral’s movements must be affected by the news which we had heard the night before.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

We took my aunt into our counsels in the afternoon; but our only decided conclusion was, that we would be very punctual in keeping Mr. Micawber's appointment.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Mr. Darcy was punctual in his return, and as Lydia informed you, attended the wedding.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)



 Learn English with... Proverbs 
"Like cures like." (English proverb)

"The stripes of a tiger are on the outside; the stripes of a person are on the inside." (Bhutanese proverb)

"Many are the roads that do not lead to the heart." (Arabic proverb)

"Lies have twisted limbs." (Corsican proverb)



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