Word: Fastidious
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: The word "fastidious" describes someone who pays very close attention to details and is often hard to please. This can refer to personal habits, cleanliness, or even how they approach tasks. A fastidious person can be very particular about how things should be done or look.
Usage Instructions: You can use "fastidious" to describe people, their habits, or even things that require careful attention. It often has a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that someone might be too picky or difficult to satisfy.
Examples: 1. "She is very fastidious about her appearance; everything must be perfect before she leaves the house." 2. "The chef was fastidious in his preparation, ensuring every ingredient was measured precisely."
Advanced Usage: You might encounter "fastidious" in more specialized contexts, such as science. For example, certain microorganisms are described as fastidious because they require very specific conditions or nutrients to grow.
Word Variants: - Fastidiousness (noun): The quality of being fastidious. - Example: "His fastidiousness made it difficult for him to enjoy casual dining." - Fastidiously (adverb): In a fastidious manner. - Example: "She arranged the flowers fastidiously, ensuring each petal was perfectly placed."
Different Meanings:While "fastidious" primarily refers to meticulousness and being hard to please, it can also imply a high standard of cleanliness or order.
Synonyms: - Picky - Fussy - Particular - Finicky - Demanding
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that specifically use "fastidious," but you might hear phrases like "a stickler for detail," which conveys a similar meaning.
In Summary: "Fastidious" is a useful word to describe someone who is very detail-oriented and can be difficult to please, particularly regarding cleanliness or standards.