Pronunciation: [pˈʌŋkt͡ʃuːə͡l] (IPA) 
"Punctual" is spelled with a "p" followed by a "u" sound as in "huh", then the "n" sound, followed by a "k" sound, and finally an "yoo" sound as in "you". The IPA phonetic transcription for "punctual" is /ˈpʌŋktʃuəl/. This word means to be on time or very prompt. It is important to be punctual in order to maintain a good reputation and make a good impression on others.
Punctual is an adjective that describes someone or something as adhering strictly to appointed or scheduled times. It conveys the characteristic of being prompt, precise, and reliable with respect to time. A punctual individual or organization shows up or completes tasks at the exact or anticipated moment, displaying a strong sense of discipline and respect for other people's time.
One who is punctual understands the value of time and the importance of meeting deadlines. They have a tendency to arrive at meetings, appointments, or events promptly, neither being excessively early nor tardy. Punctual individuals are diligent in planning their time, making sure they allocate sufficient minutes for travel, preparation, and other necessary activities to fulfill obligations punctually.
Being punctual is often regarded as a desirable trait in both personal and professional contexts. In the workplace, this quality is highly valued as it promotes efficiency and enables tasks to be accomplished swiftly. It also demonstrates professionalism, dependability, and attentiveness to detail.
A punctual society or culture places great emphasis on the importance of timeliness in its customs and norms. Punctuality is not only a mark of respect for others but also a foundation for effective communication and productivity. Consequently, being punctual is a vital aspect of an individual's daily life, contributing to their personal productivity, reputation, and overall success.
Accurate; done at the exact time; exact in the observance of time, appointments, or promises.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "punctual" originated from the Latin word "punctualis", which is derived from "punctus", meaning "point". In Latin, "punctualis" referred to something related to a point or a small dot. Over time, the word evolved to also signify being precise or paying attention to small details. In the late 17th century, "punctual" emerged in the English language to describe being strictly observant of appointed times or being on time.
