Fastidious

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/fæˈstɪdiəs/

Definitions

1. Very attentive to detail; meticulous.
2. Hard to please or satisfy, often overly concerned with cleanliness, order, or accuracy.

Usage Examples

• She was fastidious about her appearance, always ensuring her clothes were perfectly pressed.
• The fastidious chef demanded only the finest ingredients for his dishes.
• His fastidious nature made him an excellent editor, catching even the smallest errors.

Etymology

From Latin "fastidiosus," meaning "disdainful" or "haughty," from "fastidium" meaning "loathing" or "disgust," referring to someone who is hard to please. The word evolved to describe an over-attachment to detail or perfectionism in the late 16th century.

Synonyms

• Meticulous
• Particular
• Critical
• Exacting
• Fussy
• Picky

Antonyms

• Indifferent
• Easygoing
• Laid-back
• Casual
• Unconcerned

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some regions, the emphasis may vary slightly between the first and second syllables. In American English, the first syllable is often stressed, whereas in British English, the stress may shift slightly toward the second syllable.

Historical Usage

The term "fastidious" has been in use since the 16th century, originally meaning "disdainful or difficult to please" and derived from the Latin "fastidiosus." Over time, the meaning evolved to describe someone who is particularly concerned with small details or accuracy, especially in the context of taste or cleanliness.

Cultural Nuances

The concept of "fastidiousness" varies across cultures. In some societies, attention to detail is considered a virtue, whereas in others, it might be seen as an unnecessary excess. For instance, in Western cultures, particularly in professional environments, being fastidious is often seen as a positive trait, indicating thoroughness and precision. However, in more laid-back cultures, such as those found in parts of Southern Europe, it may be regarded as a flaw, suggesting inflexibility or an inability to adapt.

More Information

Fastidiousness is a key characteristic in many professions, such as editing, quality control, and high-end service industries, where attention to detail is paramount. However, it can also have a negative side, as overly fastidious individuals may find it difficult to work in environments that require flexibility or the ability to compromise. In psychology, fastidiousness is sometimes considered a trait of perfectionism, which can be both beneficial and problematic, depending on the context.