What term would describe a person who is thorough and detail-oriented?

The term "meticulous" is used to describe a person who pays great attention to detail and is very thorough in their approach to tasks. Meticulous individuals are often characterized by a careful and precise demeanor, ensuring that every aspect of their work is attended to, which leads to high-quality outcomes. This quality is highly valued in many fields, such as writing, editing, research, and project management, where accuracy and precision are crucial.

In contrast, the other terms refer to qualities that indicate a lack of attention to detail or care in one's actions. For example, being hasty implies rushing through tasks without careful consideration, while being careless suggests a neglectful or inattentive approach. The term lazy indicates an unwillingness to put in effort or work, which would also not align with being thorough or detail-oriented. Thus, "meticulous" stands out as the correct descriptor for someone who embodies thoroughness and attentiveness to detail.