perfectionist

/pə'fekʃənist/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A person who is displeased by anything that does not meet very high standards: A perfectionist is someone who refuses to accept any standard short of perfection. They often have very high expectations for themselves and others.
    • A person who adheres to or advocates the doctrine of perfectionism: In philosophical or religious contexts, a perfectionist is someone who believes moral or spiritual perfection is attainable.
Usage and Examples
  • Noun:
    • She is such a perfectionist that she spent hours editing a single paragraph.
    • As a perfectionist, he finds it difficult to delegate tasks because he worries others won't meet his standards.
    • The director's reputation as a perfectionist meant the actors had to do dozens of takes.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
  • "Recovering perfectionist": A humorous or self-aware term for someone who is trying to be less perfectionistic.
    • As a recovering perfectionist, I'm learning to accept "good enough."
  • Perfectionist as a trait: Often used to describe a characteristic that can be both a strength (high quality work) and a weakness (procrastination, stress).
    • His perfectionist tendencies ensure flawless reports, but they also cause missed deadlines.
Variants and Related Words
  • Perfectionism (n): The doctrine or disposition of a perfectionist; the striving for flawlessness.
    • Her perfectionism is both her greatest asset and her biggest source of anxiety.
  • Perfectionistic (adj): Having the characteristics of a perfectionist.
    • He has a perfectionistic approach to his craft.
Synonyms
  • Stickler: A person who insists on a certain quality or type of behavior.
  • Fusspot (informal): A person who is fussy about minor details.
  • Precisionist: A person who emphasizes accuracy and minute detail.
Antonyms
  • Slacker: A person who avoids work or effort.
  • Easygoing person: A person who is relaxed and not easily upset.
  • Pragmatist: A person who is practical and focused on achieving results rather than ideal perfection.
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • A perfectionist's curse: The idea that the drive for perfection leads to unhappiness or paralysis.
    • The perfectionist's curse meant she could never truly enjoy her finished projects.
  • To have a perfectionist streak: To occasionally or in certain areas display perfectionist behavior.
    • He has a perfectionist streak when it comes to graphic design, but he's more relaxed about other things.
Noun
  1. a person who is displeased by anything that does not meet very high standards