punctual
gb/pˈʌŋkt͡ʃuəl/ us/pˈʌŋkt͡ʃuəl/
B1
English
pontos
B1
1
pontos
A2
Usage pattern:
be punctual (for [something]); punctual in doing [something]
Please be punctual for the interview.
Kérjük, pontosan érkezzen az interjúra.
She’s always punctual, even when the weather is bad.
Mindig pontos, még rossz időben is.
Our teacher expects everyone to be punctual.
Learner examples
He is punctual.
Ő pontos.
Be punctual for class.
Érkezz pontosan az órára.
Common mistake:
Don’t confuse punctual (on time) with punctuate (add punctuation).
Meaning
arriving exactly on time
Collocations
be punctual
|always punctual
|rarely punctual
|punctual employee
|punctual student
|punctual person
|punctual arrival
|punctual attendance
|punctual in paying
|punctual in replying
Synonyms
on time (Direct, very common equivalent in everyday speech.)
|
prompt (Often suggests quick action as well as being on time.)
Antonyms
late (Not arriving or happening at the expected time.)
|
tardy (More formal or school/work-related word for late.)
Themes
daily_life
|work
|time_management
|education
Definition
If you are punctual, you are on time.
Arriving or doing something at the planned or expected time; not late.
B2
2
pontos
A2
Usage pattern:
punctual [service/event/start]; punctual at [time]
The train was punctual today, which was a nice surprise.
A vonat ma pontosan érkezett, ami kellemes meglepetés volt.
They’re known for punctual deliveries.
Pontos kiszállításaikról ismertek.
The meeting had a punctual start at 9:00.
Learner examples
The bus was punctual today.
A busz ma pontosan érkezett.
Common mistake:
For trains/meetings, use punctual (adjective) or punctually (adverb), not 'punctuality' unless talking about the quality in general.
Meaning
happening exactly as scheduled
Collocations
punctual service
|punctual train
|punctual bus
|punctual flight
|punctual start
|punctual delivery
|punctual payment
|punctual schedule
|punctual performance
|punctual departure
Synonyms
on schedule (Often used for services and plans rather than people.)
|
timely (Emphasizes being at a suitable time, not necessarily exact.)
Antonyms
delayed (Not happening at the planned time because of a wait.)
|
late (Happening after the expected time.)
Themes
transportation
|business
|time_management
Definition
If something is punctual, it happens on time.
Happening at the scheduled time, without delay.
Grammar
Dictionary form
punctual
IPA
GB/pˈʌŋkt͡ʃuəl/
US/pˈʌŋkt͡ʃuəl/
Syllables & stress
punc - tu - al (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (punc)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: punctual
Word family
Core family
punctuality
noun B2
punctually
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
unpunctual
adjective
Expressions
as punctual as clockwork
1/ˈæz pˈʌŋkt͡ʃuəl ˈæz klˈɑkwˌɚk/
fixed phrase
extremely punctual and regular
Always on time, like a clock.
Examples
- Her morning routine is as punctual as clockwork.
- The 7:15 bus is as punctual as clockwork in this town.
Learner examples
- He is as punctual as clockwork.
punctual to a fault
1/pˈʌŋkt͡ʃuəl tə ə fˈɔlt/
fixed phrase
so punctual it causes problems
Always on time, even when it is not helpful.
Examples
- He’s punctual to a fault, so he gets annoyed if anyone is even a minute late.
- She’s punctual to a fault and will leave without you if you’re not ready.
Learner examples
- My father is punctual to a fault.