Literary notes about punctual (AI summary)
The word "punctual" in literature serves as an emblem of not only social grace and reliability but also as a tool to underscore ordered natural or human behavior. It is used to highlight refined manners and adherence to established customs—whether indicating the careful coordination of a meal ([1], [2]) or underscoring a character’s steadfastness and duty ([3], [4], [5]). Additionally, writers often employ the term to evoke the natural cadence of life, as when nature itself is described as arriving “punctual to their time” ([6]), or to illustrate the inevitable, almost clockwork-like progress of society and personal relationships, as noted in works that emphasize proper conduct and routine ([7], [8]). Across these varied contexts, "punctual" enriches the narrative by suggesting precision, dependability, and a harmonious alignment with both societal expectations and the rhythms of the natural world.
- Another point of good-breeding is to be punctual at meals, for a host and hostess never sit down without their guest, and dinner may be getting cold.
— from The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness by Cecil B. Hartley - Mr. Collins was punctual to his time, and was received with great politeness by the whole family.
— from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - “I am always punctual myself, minute for minute, remembering that punctuality is the courtesy of kings....”
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - He was the most punctual and precise of men, a man who adhered to an unchangeable routine, and habits that lasted for years.
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - And how is Mr. Fogg?" "As well and as punctual as ever, not a day behind time!
— from Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne - The tribes of birds and insects, like the plants punctual to their time, follow each other, and the year has room for all.
— from Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson - Bingley was punctual to his appointment; and he and Mr. Bennet spent the morning together, as had been agreed on.
— from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - But it is God’s great mercy to me, and His blessing upon my taking pains, and being punctual in my dealings.
— from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys
