Definition

Adjective: 1. Excessively selective or hard to please: Describes a person who is very difficult to satisfy, often focusing on minor details or having very specific, demanding preferences.

Usage

The adjective "picky" is used to describe someone who is overly selective, especially about trivial or specific details. It often carries a slightly negative or critical connotation, implying the standards are unnecessarily high or fussy. * It is commonly used before a noun (e.g., a picky eater) or after a linking verb (e.g., She is very picky). * It is an informal word, more common in spoken English than in formal writing.

Examples

• Describing a person's general nature:
  • My boss is so picky; nothing is ever good enough for her.
  • Don't be so picky! Just choose one.
• Describing a specific preference:
  • He's a very picky eater and will only eat plain foods.
  • She's picky about who she invites to her parties.

Advanced Usage

• "picky about": This is the standard preposition used with "picky" to specify the area of selectivity.
  • He's extremely picky about the quality of his coffee beans.
  • The artist was picky about the exact shade of blue for the painting.

Variants and Related Words

• Pickiness (noun): The quality or state of being picky.
  • His pickiness when ordering food can be frustrating.

Synonyms

• Fussy: Very concerned about unimportant details.
• Particular: Having specific requirements or standards.
• Finicky: Showing excessive or fastidious concern with details.
• Choosy: Careful in making a choice, selective.

Antonyms

• Easygoing: Relaxed and tolerant.
• Undemanding: Not requiring much care or attention.
• Unfussy: Not concerned with minor details.

Adjective

1. exacting especially about details
   • a finicky eater
   • fussy about clothes
   • very particular about how her food was prepared