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B2 noun 10 min read

la ponctualité

Examples la ponctualité in 30 Seconds
Explanation la ponctualité in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't necessarily need to use the big word 'la ponctualité'. Instead, you focus on the basic action: being on time. The phrase you will learn first is 'être à l'heure'. For example, 'Je suis à l'heure' (I am on time). You might also learn 'être en retard' (to be late). At this stage, 'la ponctualité' is a word you might recognize in a simple text about school or work, but you are not expected to produce it in conversation. You focus on the clock and simple sentences. 'Le cours commence à 9h. Je suis à l'heure.' Understanding that 'ponctuel' is the adjective is the next step. You might say 'Mon ami est ponctuel' to describe a friend who is always on time. The concept of punctuality is introduced through daily routines and schedules. You learn to say 'à quelle heure?' and 'il est l'heure de...'. These are the building blocks that will eventually lead to using the abstract noun 'la ponctualité' at higher levels. For now, focus on mastering the time and the basic verbs like 'arriver' and 'partir'.
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At the A2 level, you begin to describe people and their habits more frequently. This is where the adjective 'ponctuel' (masculine) and 'ponctuelle' (feminine) becomes very useful. You might say, 'Ma collègue est très ponctuelle, elle arrive toujours avant moi.' You start to understand that being on time is a quality. You might see the word 'la ponctualité' in short articles about French culture or in workplace dialogues in your textbook. You should know that 'la ponctualité' is a noun and it is feminine. You can start using it in simple sentences like 'La ponctualité est importante pour mon professeur.' You are also learning to give reasons for not being punctual, using 'parce que' or 'à cause de'. For example, 'Je suis en retard à cause du trafic.' At A2, you are moving beyond just stating the time to describing the behavior of being on time. You might also encounter the word in signs at the train station or in simple announcements. It's a good time to start associating 'ponctualité' with 'respect' and 'travail'.
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At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex social and professional situations. You should be able to use 'la ponctualité' to discuss work ethics or social expectations. You can use phrases like 'faire preuve de ponctualité' (to show punctuality) or 'attacher de l'importance à la ponctualité'. For example, 'Dans mon pays, les gens n'attachent pas beaucoup d'importance à la ponctualité pour les fêtes.' You are now comfortable using the noun to discuss general concepts rather than just specific instances of being on time. You can compare different cultures' views on punctuality. You also start to use synonyms like 'exactitude' in certain contexts. You might write a short email explaining a 'manque de ponctualité' due to unforeseen circumstances. Your vocabulary is expanding to include related terms like 'un imprévu' (something unexpected) or 'un contretemps' (a mishap). B1 is the level where you transition from simply being on time to valuing the concept of punctuality as a social virtue. You can participate in a debate about whether punctuality is still important in the modern world.
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B2 is the target level for 'la ponctualité'. At this stage, you should use the word fluently in professional and academic contexts. You understand the nuances, such as 'le quart d'heure de politesse' in social settings versus the strict 'ponctualité' required in business. You can use the word in complex sentence structures: 'Bien que la ponctualité soit une vertu appréciée, elle peut parfois être perçue comme de la rigidité.' You are aware of the collocations like 'exiger la ponctualité', 'manquer de ponctualité', and 'le taux de ponctualité'. You can read formal reports, such as those from the SNCF, and understand the statistical use of the term. You can also use it to describe abstract concepts, like the 'ponctualité' of a recurring event. At B2, you should be able to argue for the importance of punctuality in a professional environment during a job interview or a presentation. You understand that using the noun 'la ponctualité' rather than the phrase 'être à l'heure' elevates your level of speech and makes you sound more professional and precise.
At the C1 level, you use 'la ponctualité' with stylistic flair. You might use it in literary or philosophical discussions about the nature of time. You understand its historical context, such as the quote 'La ponctualité est la politesse des rois', and can use such references in your writing. You can distinguish between 'ponctualité', 'exactitude', 'assiduité', and 'promptitude' with ease, choosing the exact word that fits the nuance of your thought. You might write an essay on how digital technology has changed our 'sens de la ponctualité'. You can use the word in sophisticated idiomatic expressions like 'être d'une ponctualité de métronome'. Your understanding of the word is deep enough to recognize when it is being used ironically or to make a subtle point about a person's character. You can navigate complex administrative documents where 'la ponctualité' is a criterion for evaluation. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for nuanced expression of social and personal values. You can discuss the 'ponctualité' of economic cycles or natural phenomena with the same ease as discussing a meeting time.
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At the C2 level, you have a near-native mastery of 'la ponctualité'. You can use it in any context, from high-level academic research to creative writing. You might explore the etymological roots of the word and how they influence its modern meaning. You can engage in deep cultural analysis, comparing the 'ponctualité' of different Francophone regions and how it reflects their history and social structure. You are comfortable using the word in very formal speeches or legal documents. You can appreciate and use the word in its most abstract forms, perhaps in a poem or a philosophical treatise on 'la ponctualité de l'instant'. You can detect the slightest misuse of the word by others and can explain the subtle differences between it and its synonyms to other learners. For a C2 speaker, 'la ponctualité' is part of a rich tapestry of words related to time, and you use it to create precise, evocative, and grammatically perfect French. You can handle the word in all its registers, understanding its weight in a formal reprimand as well as its lighter use in a social joke.
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Examples

la ponctualité in 30 Seconds

  • La ponctualité means punctuality or being on time.
  • It is a feminine noun: 'la ponctualité'.
  • Commonly used in professional and academic contexts.
  • The adjective form is 'ponctuel' (m) or 'ponctuelle' (f).

La ponctualité is a feminine noun in French that translates directly to punctuality in English. However, its usage in French culture carries a weight that oscillates between a strict professional requirement and a flexible social grace, depending on the context and the region of France. At its core, it refers to the habit or characteristic of arriving, happening, or doing something at the agreed or proper time. In the French linguistic landscape, this word is often associated with the famous quote by Louis XVIII: 'La ponctualité est la politesse des rois' (Punctuality is the politeness of kings). This suggests that being on time is not just a matter of logistics, but a fundamental sign of respect toward others.

Professional Context
In the French workplace, la ponctualité is non-negotiable. Arriving late for a meeting (une réunion) or a job interview (un entretien d'embauche) is seen as a lack of professionalism and organizational skills. It is often listed as a key 'soft skill' in job descriptions.

Le directeur attache une importance primordiale à la ponctualité de ses employés.

Beyond the workplace, the concept shifts slightly. In social settings, particularly in the South of France, there is a cultural phenomenon known as le quart d'heure de politesse (the fifteen minutes of politeness). This implies that arriving exactly at the time stated on an invitation to someone's home might actually be considered impolite, as the host might still be making final preparations. In this specific case, la ponctualité is practiced with a slight, intentional delay. However, for public transport, cinema screenings, or medical appointments, the strict definition applies. The word is derived from the Latin punctuālis, relating to a point (punctus), specifically a point in time. This mathematical origin underscores the precision that the word demands.

Social Etiquette
When invited to a dinner party in Paris, arriving 5 to 10 minutes late is standard. Arriving 30 minutes late, however, is a breach of la ponctualité and requires a sincere apology.

Malgré les embouteillages, elle a réussi à maintenir sa réputation de ponctualité exemplaire.

In academic settings, French students are taught from a young age that la ponctualité is a form of discipline. A student who is frequently late will see comments regarding their 'manque de ponctualité' on their report cards (bulletins scolaires). This cultural emphasis ensures that the word is deeply ingrained in the French psyche as a marker of reliability. Whether you are dealing with the SNCF (the French national railway) or a government office, the expectation of punctuality is the baseline for all formal interactions.

Using 'la ponctualité' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a noun. It is almost always preceded by a definite article (la), an indefinite article (une), or a partitive/possessive adjective. It often functions as the subject of a sentence or the object of a prepositional phrase. One of the most common constructions is faire preuve de ponctualité, which means to demonstrate punctuality. This is preferred in formal reports or evaluations over the simpler 'être ponctuel'.

As a Subject
When the word is the subject, it often describes a quality or a requirement. For example: 'La ponctualité est requise pour ce poste.'

La ponctualité n'est pas son fort, il arrive toujours avec dix minutes de retard.

Another frequent usage involves the verb manquer de (to lack). 'Manquer de ponctualité' is the standard way to say someone is often late. Conversely, to praise someone, you might say they have an 'exactitude' or a 'ponctualité sans faille' (flawless punctuality). When discussing transport, especially trains or planes, the noun is used to discuss the reliability of the service. You will see statistics published by the SNCF regarding 'le taux de ponctualité' (the punctuality rate) of their TGV lines.

With Prepositions
Commonly used with 'pour' or 'avec'. 'Il est connu pour sa ponctualité' (He is known for his punctuality) or 'Il traite ses rendez-vous avec une grande ponctualité'.

Nous apprécions votre ponctualité lors de nos réunions hebdomadaires.

In more abstract or literary contexts, 'la ponctualité' can refer to the precision of an action or the regularity of a recurring event. For instance, 'la ponctualité des marées' (the punctuality of the tides) highlights the rhythmic, predictable nature of the phenomenon. In everyday conversation, however, it remains firmly rooted in the human ability to respect a schedule. If you want to emphasize that someone is never late, you can use the phrase 'être d'une ponctualité de métronome' (to have the punctuality of a metronome), implying a mechanical, perfect precision.

You will encounter 'la ponctualité' in several specific environments in France. The most common is the professional world. During annual performance reviews (entretiens annuels), a manager might comment on a subordinate's punctuality. It is also a staple of job advertisements under the 'qualités recherchées' section. If you are applying for a job in France, being able to discuss your 'sens de la ponctualité' is crucial. It shows that you respect the company's time and your colleagues' schedules.

In Public Transport
The SNCF and RATP frequently use this word in their communications. You will see posters showing 'les chiffres de la ponctualité' to inform passengers about the percentage of trains that arrived on time the previous month.

La SNCF s'engage à améliorer la ponctualité des trains de banlieue.

In schools, 'la ponctualité' is one of the 'règles de vie' (rules of life). Teachers often remind students that 'la ponctualité est la première des politesses'. If a student is late, they must go to the 'vie scolaire' to get a 'billet de retard'. Frequent lateness results in a sanction, often justified by a 'manque de ponctualité répété'. This early education shapes the French adult's relationship with time. In the news, you might hear about 'la ponctualité' when discussing government efficiency or the delivery of public services.

In Literature and Media
Classical French literature often uses the term to describe a character's moral character. A 'ponctuel' character is usually portrayed as reliable, perhaps a bit rigid or boring, but ultimately trustworthy.

Dans ce roman, le protagoniste se distingue par une ponctualité presque maladive.

Finally, in the context of events and ceremonies (weddings, funerals, official inaugurations), the word is used to set expectations. An invitation might state 'La ponctualité est de mise' to signal that the event will start exactly at the scheduled time and latecomers might be barred from entering until a suitable break. This is particularly common in theaters and opera houses like the Opéra Garnier, where 'la ponctualité est impérative'.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using the English word 'punctuality' with French syntax or misusing the adjective 'ponctuel' as a noun. In French, you cannot say 'Il a un bon ponctuel'; you must use the noun: 'Il a une bonne ponctualité'. Another common error is the confusion between 'être à l'heure' and 'la ponctualité'. While 'être à l'heure' is a state (to be on time), 'la ponctualité' is the quality or the concept itself. You 'have' or 'show' punctuality, but you 'are' on time.

Confusion with 'Ponctuation'
Because they sound similar, beginners sometimes confuse 'ponctualité' (punctuality) with 'ponctuation' (punctuation). Remember: one is about time, the other is about commas and periods!

Faux : Il manque de ponctuation au travail. (He lacks punctuation at work).
Correct : Il manque de ponctualité au travail.

Gender errors are also common. Since 'la ponctualité' ends in '-ité', it is feminine. Many learners mistakenly use 'le'. Always pair it with 'la' or 'une'. Furthermore, avoid the literal translation of 'I am punctuality'. In English, we might say 'I am the soul of punctuality', but in French, the standard way to express this is 'Je suis très ponctuel' or 'La ponctualité est une de mes qualités'. Using the noun as a self-descriptor ('Je suis la ponctualité') sounds very strange and overly dramatic.

Adjective vs. Noun
English: 'He is punctuality itself.'
French: 'Il est la ponctualité même.' (This is a specific idiom where the noun is used correctly, but it's rare).

Erreur fréquente : 'C'est un problème de ponctuel.'
Correction : 'C'est un problème de ponctualité.'

Finally, be careful with the nuances of 'retard'. While 'retard' is the opposite of 'ponctualité', you don't always use them interchangeably. 'La ponctualité' is the virtue; 'le retard' is the specific instance of being late. You wouldn't say 'Son retard est mauvais' to describe a general habit; you would say 'Son manque de ponctualité est problématique'. Using the abstract noun correctly demonstrates a higher level of French (B2 and above), as it shows you can discuss concepts rather than just actions.

While 'la ponctualité' is the most direct term for being on time, French offers several synonyms and related terms that carry slightly different nuances. Understanding these can help you sound more like a native speaker and allow for more precise communication. The most common synonym is l'exactitude. While often used interchangeably, 'exactitude' can also refer to the precision of data or a scientific measurement, whereas 'ponctualité' is almost exclusively about time and human behavior.

L'exactitude vs. La ponctualité
L'exactitude is more formal and implies a mathematical precision. La ponctualité is more social and behavioral. Example: 'L'exactitude de ses calculs' vs 'La ponctualité de son arrivée'.

Il arrive avec une exactitude de métronome à chaque rendez-vous.

Another related term is l'assiduité. This refers more to regular attendance than to being on time for a single event. A student who never misses a class has great 'assiduité', but they might still lack 'ponctualité' if they arrive five minutes late every day. In a professional setting, both are valued, but they describe different habits. Then there is la promptitude, which means quickness or readiness. While a 'ponctuel' person arrives on time, a 'prompt' person acts quickly once they are there.

L'assiduité
Focuses on the frequency and regularity of presence. Often used in school reports along with 'ponctualité'.

Son assiduité au travail est exemplaire, il n'a jamais manqué un jour.

In informal settings, you might hear people talk about le respect des horaires. This is a more descriptive, less formal way of saying 'la ponctualité'. For example, 'Le respect des horaires est important dans cette usine'. Finally, the opposite of punctuality is le retard (lateness) or l'inexactitude (imprecision). If someone is habitually late, they are said to have une tendance au retard. By choosing between these terms, you can more accurately describe the specific type of time-related behavior you are observing.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /la pɔ̃k.tɥa.li.te/
US /la pɔ̃k.tɥa.li.te/
In French, stress is usually on the final syllable of the word: ponctuali-TÉ.
Rhymes With
fraternité liberté réalité santé qualité vérité volonté beauté
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'c' as 's'. It is a hard 'k' sound.
  • Forgetting the nasal 'on' and saying 'pon' like 'pond' without the 'd'.
  • Stressing the first syllable.
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Examples by Level

1

Je suis à l'heure.

I am on time.

Uses the verb 'être' + 'à l'heure'.

2

Le train est à l'heure.

The train is on time.

Simple subject-verb-complement structure.

3

Elle n'est pas en retard.

She is not late.

Negative form of 'être en retard'.

4

À quelle heure est le rendez-vous ?

At what time is the meeting?

Question formation with 'à quelle heure'.

5

Le cours commence à huit heures.

The class starts at eight o'clock.

Present tense of 'commencer'.

6

Je regarde ma montre.

I look at my watch.

Subject + verb + direct object.

7

Il arrive maintenant.

He is arriving now.

Use of the adverb 'maintenant'.

8

Nous sommes ponctuels.

We are punctual.

Plural adjective 'ponctuels'.

1

Ma mère est très ponctuelle.

My mother is very punctual.

Feminine singular adjective 'ponctuelle'.

2

La ponctualité est importante pour mon travail.

Punctuality is important for my job.

'La ponctualité' as the subject.

3

Il est toujours à l'heure pour le dîner.

He is always on time for dinner.

Use of the adverb 'toujours'.

4

Je m'excuse pour mon retard.

I apologize for my lateness.

Reflexive verb 's'excuser'.

5

Elle déteste quand les gens ne sont pas ponctuels.

She hates when people are not punctual.

Plural adjective 'ponctuels'.

6

Le bus a un peu de retard aujourd'hui.

The bus is a little late today.

'Avoir du retard' (to be late/have a delay).

7

Veuillez respecter l'horaire.

Please respect the schedule.

Imperative form 'veuillez'.

8

C'est une règle de ponctualité simple.

It is a simple rule of punctuality.

Noun used as a modifier with 'de'.

1

Il faut faire preuve de ponctualité dans ce bureau.

One must show punctuality in this office.

Idiom 'faire preuve de'.

2

Son manque de ponctualité agace ses collègues.

His lack of punctuality annoys his colleagues.

'Manque de' + noun.

3

La ponctualité est une forme de respect.

Punctuality is a form of respect.

Abstract noun definition.

4

J'attache beaucoup d'importance à la ponctualité.

I attach a lot of importance to punctuality.

Verb phrase 'attacher de l'importance à'.

5

Elle a été récompensée pour sa ponctualité exemplaire.

She was rewarded for her exemplary punctuality.

Passive voice 'a été récompensée'.

6

Le taux de ponctualité des trains s'est amélioré.

The punctuality rate of the trains has improved.

Reflexive verb 's'améliorer'.

7

Est-ce que la ponctualité est culturelle ?

Is punctuality cultural?

Question with 'est-ce que'.

8

Nous demandons une ponctualité rigoureuse à nos élèves.

We ask for rigorous punctuality from our students.

Direct object 'ponctualité' modified by 'rigoureuse'.

1

La ponctualité est souvent considérée comme la politesse des rois.

Punctuality is often considered the politeness of kings.

Passive construction 'est considérée comme'.

2

Ce poste exige une ponctualité sans faille.

This position requires flawless punctuality.

Verb 'exiger' with a strong noun phrase.

3

Malgré les imprévus, il maintient sa ponctualité.

Despite the unforeseen events, he maintains his punctuality.

Use of 'malgré' (despite).

4

La ponctualité des marées est un phénomène fascinant.

The punctuality of the tides is a fascinating phenomenon.

Metaphorical use of 'ponctualité'.

5

Son évaluation mentionne un léger manque de ponctualité.

His evaluation mentions a slight lack of punctuality.

'Léger' modifying the lack.

6

Il est d'une ponctualité de métronome.

He has the punctuality of a metronome.

Idiomatic expression.

7

La ponctualité est de mise pour cette cérémonie officielle.

Punctuality is required for this official ceremony.

Idiom 'être de mise'.

8

On ne peut pas blâmer la ponctualité du service.

One cannot blame the punctuality of the service.

Negative construction with 'on'.

1

L'exactitude et la ponctualité sont les piliers de sa réussite.

Precision and punctuality are the pillars of his success.

Pairing synonyms for emphasis.

2

La ponctualité ne se limite pas à arriver à l'heure.

Punctuality is not limited to arriving on time.

Reflexive verb 'se limiter'.

3

Elle cultive sa ponctualité comme une vertu cardinale.

She cultivates her punctuality like a cardinal virtue.

Metaphorical verb 'cultiver'.

4

Le non-respect de la ponctualité peut nuire à votre image.

Failure to respect punctuality can harm your image.

'Nuire à' (to harm).

5

La ponctualité est le reflet de notre organisation interne.

Punctuality is the reflection of our internal organization.

Philosophical statement.

6

Il a fait de la ponctualité sa marque de fabrique.

He has made punctuality his trademark.

Idiom 'marque de fabrique'.

7

La ponctualité rigide peut parfois manquer de souplesse.

Rigid punctuality can sometimes lack flexibility.

Nuanced argument.

8

Sa ponctualité légendaire fut mise à l'épreuve par la grève.

His legendary punctuality was put to the test by the strike.

Passé simple 'fut mise'.

1

La ponctualité, cette politesse du temps, s'étiole dans notre société moderne.

Punctuality, that politeness of time, is withering away in our modern society.

Appositive phrase and literary verb 's'étioler'.

2

L'auteur explore la ponctualité comme un mécanisme de contrôle social.

The author explores punctuality as a mechanism of social control.

Academic analysis.

3

Au-delà de la simple présence, la ponctualité incarne un engagement moral.

Beyond simple presence, punctuality embodies a moral commitment.

Complex preposition 'au-delà de'.

4

La ponctualité des astres règle le cycle des saisons.

The punctuality of the stars regulates the cycle of the seasons.

High-level metaphorical use.

5

Le protagoniste sombre dans une obsession de la ponctualité absolue.

The protagonist sinks into an obsession with absolute punctuality.

Literary description.

6

La ponctualité est ici érigée en principe fondamental d'existence.

Punctuality is here established as a fundamental principle of existence.

Passive voice 'est érigée en'.

7

Une ponctualité sans faille ne saurait masquer un manque de compétence.

Flawless punctuality cannot mask a lack of competence.

'Ne saurait' (cannot).

8

L'exigence de ponctualité s'amenuise avec la généralisation du télétravail.

The requirement for punctuality is diminishing with the generalization of teleworking.

Contemporary social observation.

Common Collocations

manquer de ponctualité
faire preuve de ponctualité
exiger la ponctualité
attacher de l'importance à la ponctualité
taux de ponctualité
ponctualité exemplaire
ponctualité rigoureuse
défaut de ponctualité
sens de la ponctualité
respect de la ponctualité

Common Phrases

La ponctualité est la politesse des rois.

— Punctuality is the politeness of kings. It means being on time is a sign of respect.

N'oubliez pas que la ponctualité est la politesse des rois.

Être d'une ponctualité de métronome.

— To be as punctual as a metronome. Extremely precise.

Il arrive chaque matin d'une ponctualité de métronome.

Manquer à la ponctualité.

— To fail to be punctual.

Il a manqué à la ponctualité lors du dernier rendez-vous.

La ponctualité est de mise.

— Punctuality is required or expected.

Pour cet entretien, la ponctualité est de mise.

Un manque de ponctualité.

— A lack of punctuality.

Son manque de ponctualité est devenu un problème.

Par souci de ponctualité.

— For the sake of punctuality.

Par souci de ponctualité, je suis parti plus tôt.

La ponctualité des trains.

— Train punctuality. A common topic in France.

La ponctualité des trains s'est dégradée cet hiver.

Une ponctualité sans faille.

— Flawless punctuality.

Nous apprécions votre ponctualité sans faille.

Le quart d'heure de politesse.

— The fifteen-minute grace period for social events.

En France, on accepte le quart d'heure de politesse.

Règle de ponctualité.

— Rule of punctuality.

L'école impose une règle de ponctualité stricte.

Idioms & Expressions

"Être réglé comme du papier à musique."

— To be very well organized and punctual.

Sa vie est réglée comme du papier à musique.

informal
"Arriver comme un cheveu sur la soupe."

— To arrive at an awkward or unexpected time (not necessarily late, but poorly timed).

Il est arrivé comme un cheveu sur la soupe.

informal
"Mettre les pendules à l'heure."

— To set things straight or clarify expectations (often about time/rules).

Il est temps de mettre les pendules à l'heure sur la ponctualité.

neutral
"Chercher midi à quatorze heures."

— To make things more complicated than they are (often related to overthinking schedules).

Ne cherche pas midi à quatorze heures, sois juste là à l'heure.

informal
"Avoir le sens du timing."

— To have a good sense of timing.

Elle a vraiment le sens du timing.

neutral
"Prendre son temps."

— To take one's time (the opposite of rushing to be punctual).

Il prend son temps, il n'est jamais pressé.

neutral
"Être entre deux feux."

— To be caught between two things (like two appointments).

Je suis entre deux feux avec ces rendez-vous.

neutral
"Gagner du temps."

— To save or gain time.

On a gagné du temps en prenant le métro.

neutral
"Perdre son temps."

— To waste one's time.

Attendre quelqu'un qui n'est pas ponctuel, c'est perdre son temps.

neutral
"Le temps, c'est de l'argent."

— Time is money.

Dépêche-toi, le temps, c'est de l'argent !

neutral

Word Family

Nouns

la ponctualité
le ponctualisme (rare)

Verbs

ponctuer (to punctuate - related root)

Adjectives

ponctuel
ponctuelle

Related

le point
la pointe
la ponctuation
le pointeur
pointilleux
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