fastidious
What does "fastidious" mean?
To be fastidious is to be extremely attentive to detail, cleanliness, or accuracy. Imagine someone who is so focused on perfection that they are almost impossible to please because they notice every tiny speck of dust or every minor deviation from the rules. This word is often used to describe someone's taste or their cleaning habits. While it can be a compliment—suggesting someone is very thorough and professional—it often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the person is difficult, overly fussy, or hard to satisfy.
"fastidious" in conversation
Cleaning the kitchen
Did you wipe the counter again?
Did you wipe the counter again?
I did, but Sarah is fastidious about crumbs.
I did, but Sarah is fastidious about crumbs.
I can still see a spot right there!
I can still see a spot right there!
Used here to explain why someone is being exceptionally picky about cleanliness.
Reviewing a manuscript
Your grammar is perfect, but the formatting is a mess.
Your grammar is perfect, but the formatting is a mess.
I know, I'm usually very fastidious with my drafts.
I know, I'm usually very fastidious with my drafts.
Shows the application of the word to professional precision and accuracy.
"fastidious" in a sentence
He is very fastidious about his appearance.
He is very fastidious about his appearance.
The chef is fastidious, inspecting every plate before it leaves the kitchen.
The chef is fastidious, inspecting every plate before it leaves the kitchen.
She maintained a fastidious attention to detail throughout the complex legal proceedings.
She maintained a fastidious attention to detail throughout the complex legal proceedings.
