Definition of scrupulous

The word "scrupulous" originated from the Latin term "scrupulosus," which literally translated means "marked by scruple." Scruple itself can be traced back to the Latin word "scrupulus," which originally signified a small pebble or calculus-like object. In ancient Roman culture, a person who was deeply reflective, worked diligently, or had a fixation on small details was said to have a pebble-like weight or burden in their mind, prompting the use of "scrupulosus" to describe them. As the word traveled through French and English, its meaning evolved. During the Middle Ages, the term scrupulous took on a new connotation, referring to someone who displayed extraordinary attention and care in religious matters. By the 16th century, its modern meaning - implying extreme carefulness, meticulousness or exactness - had started to emerge, as we still use it today. In summary, the origin of the word "scrupulous" stems from its Latin roots of "scrupulosus," which originally referred to someone being overly preoccupied, particularly with minutiae, small pebble-like objects, or details - a meaning that is still faithful to the word's modern definition.