Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

punctual

/ˈpʌŋkt͡ʃuəl/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.83 in modern English

Syllables
punc-tu-al
IPA
/ˈpʌŋkt͡ʃuəl/
12
Scrabble Score
8
Letters
3
Syllables
7
Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Prompt; on time.

adj

Prompt; on time.

adj

Existing as a point or series of points.

adj

Expressing a momentary action that has no duration.

adj

Periodic; occasional.

adj

Observing trivial points; punctilious.

Dated

Example Sentences

Etymology

Borrowed from Medieval Latin pūnctuālis (“relating to a point”), from Late Latin pūnctus (“point”) + -ālis (adjective suffix).

Word Breakdown

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /ˈpʌŋkt͡ʃuəl/
  • British English: /ˈpʌŋktjʊəl/

Usage

Inflected Forms

more punctual (comparative) most punctual (superlative) punctuall (alternative, obsolete)

Derived Forms

bipunctual copunctual impunctual nonpunctual prepunctual punctualism punctualist punctuality punctualize punctually punctualness unpunctual

Frequently Paired Words

point pointwise punctilious punctuate punctuation meticulous

Synonyms

in time on time prompt punctual seasonable timely

Antonyms

overdue premature

Questions

How do you pronounce punctual?
The recorded pronunciation is /ˈpʌŋkt͡ʃuəl/.
What does punctual mean?
Prompt; on time.
Where does punctual come from?
Borrowed from Medieval Latin pūnctuālis (“relating to a point”), from Late Latin pūnctus (“point”) + -ālis (adjective suffix).

How to pronounce punctual

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “punctual”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈpʌŋkt͡ʃuəl/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “punctual”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “punctual” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.