What does "meticulous" mean?

The term "meticulous" refers to someone who shows great attention to detail and is very careful and precise in their work or actions. This quality is often associated with thoroughness, where an individual pays close attention to each small part of a task to ensure accuracy and quality. For instance, a meticulous editor will carefully check every word, punctuation mark, and formatting issue in a document, striving for perfection. This level of care is essential in areas where precision is critical, such as in laboratory work, intricate art projects, or financial documentation.

The other options do not align with the meaning of "meticulous." One discusses a theoretical framework, another refers to a broad generalization, and the last presents a term that is the opposite of meticulous. These options diverge from the core definition, emphasizing the importance of understanding specific vocabulary in context.