punctual
gb/pˈʌŋkt͡ʃuəl/ us/pˈʌŋkt͡ʃuəl/
B1
Anglais
Sens
0 sens
adjective
B1
property
1
arriving exactly on time
If you are punctual, you are on time.
Schéma d’usage :
be punctual (for [something]); punctual in doing [something]
Erreur fréquente :
Don’t confuse punctual (on time) with punctuate (add punctuation).
Synonymes
on time (Direct, very common equivalent in everyday speech.)
|
prompt (Often suggests quick action as well as being on time.)
Antonymes
late (Not arriving or happening at the expected time.)
|
tardy (More formal or school/work-related word for late.)
Collocations
be punctual
|always punctual
|rarely punctual
|punctual employee
|punctual student
|punctual person
|punctual arrival
|punctual attendance
|punctual in paying
|punctual in replying
Thèmes
daily_life
|work
|time_management
|education
Exemples
- Please be punctual for the interview.
- She’s always punctual, even when the weather is bad.
- Our teacher expects everyone to be punctual.
Exemples pédagogiques
- He is punctual.
- Be punctual for class.
adjective
B2
property
2
happening exactly as scheduled
If something is punctual, it happens on time.
Schéma d’usage :
punctual [service/event/start]; punctual at [time]
Erreur fréquente :
For trains/meetings, use punctual (adjective) or punctually (adverb), not 'punctuality' unless talking about the quality in general.
Synonymes
on schedule (Often used for services and plans rather than people.)
|
timely (Emphasizes being at a suitable time, not necessarily exact.)
Antonymes
delayed (Not happening at the planned time because of a wait.)
|
late (Happening after the expected time.)
Collocations
punctual service
|punctual train
|punctual bus
|punctual flight
|punctual start
|punctual delivery
|punctual payment
|punctual schedule
|punctual performance
|punctual departure
Thèmes
transportation
|business
|time_management
Exemples
- The train was punctual today, which was a nice surprise.
- They’re known for punctual deliveries.
- The meeting had a punctual start at 9:00.
Exemples pédagogiques
- The bus was punctual today.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
punctual
API
GB/pˈʌŋkt͡ʃuəl/
US/pˈʌŋkt͡ʃuəl/
Syllabes et accentuation
punc - tu - al (3 syllabes)
Stress on 1st syllable (punc)
Formes du mot
Adjective
- Base: punctual
Famille de mots
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.
Exemples
- Her morning routine is as punctual as clockwork.
- The 7:15 bus is as punctual as clockwork in this town.
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.
Exemples
- 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.