Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who insists on a certain quality or type of behavior: A stickler is someone who demands that particular rules, standards, or details are strictly followed.
   • A person who is uncompromising or exacting about something: It refers to someone who is very strict or particular about a specific matter.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • He is a stickler for punctuality; meetings must start exactly on time.
  • My teacher is a stickler for proper grammar and spelling.
  • As a chef, she is a stickler for using only the freshest ingredients.

Advanced Usage

• "to be a stickler about something": To be very strict or particular regarding a specific issue.
  • The manager is a stickler about the dress code in the office.
• "to be a stickler for the rules": To insist on strict adherence to regulations.
  • The referee was a stickler for the rules, which made the game fair but slow.

Variants and Related Words

• Sticklerism (n, rare): The attitude or practice of being a stickler; insistence on strict conformity.
  • His sticklerism for procedure often frustrated his more flexible colleagues.

Synonyms

• Perfectionist: A person who refuses to accept any standard short of perfection.
• Pedant: A person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules.
• Martinet: A strict disciplinarian, especially in the military.
• Nitpicker: A person who criticizes small or insignificant details.

Related Phrases

• Stickler for detail: A person who pays extreme attention to small particulars.
  • A good editor must be a stickler for detail.
• Stickler for accuracy: A person who insists on precise correctness.
  • The scientist was a stickler for accuracy in all her reports.

Idioms

• No stickler for formality: Not someone who insists on formalities or strict protocol.
  • He's a friendly boss and no stickler for formality.

Noun

1. someone who insists on something
   • a stickler for promptness