fastidious

Adjective

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What does “fastidious” mean?

adjective.very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in contexts related to meticulousness in work, craftsmanship, or character analysis, emphasizing a person's rigorous standards and insistence on perfection. It suggests a level of scrutiny that goes beyond mere attention to detail, highlighting a potential for critical or picky behavior, which distinguishes it from words like "meticulous," which may not carry the same connotation of fussiness.

Common Confusions

Fastidious implies a critical and picky attention to detail, while meticulous usually suggests carefulness and precision without the negative connotation of fussiness.

Do not choose fastidious if the context emphasizes carelessness or indifference rather than being very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.

Example Sentences

  • The fastidious chef inspected every plate before it left the kitchen.

  • Her fastidious approach to the project ensured its success.

Related Words

meticulous
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