Captious

Characterized by the tendency to find fault or raise petty objections; marked by an eagerness to find trivial faults or flaws. It often involves nitpicking, carping criticism, and a predisposition to be critical of others' actions or words, even when those actions or words are meant to be helpful or positive. A person exhibiting Captious behavior is often seen as difficult to please and can be overly focused on minor details, leading to strained relationships and an unproductive environment. Captiousness can stem from insecurity, perfectionism, or simply a negative outlook on life. Such a nature frequently hinders effective communication and collaboration, as individuals become hesitant to express themselves for fear of being criticized.

Captious meaning with examples

• The editor's Captious remarks about the manuscript, focusing on minor grammatical errors instead of the overall narrative, discouraged the author. His excessive critique made it difficult for the author to revise, feeling dejected by the harshness that seemed to overshadow the story's strengths.
• During the team presentation, the Captious manager interrupted frequently with nitpicking questions, making the presenters feel undermined. His constant interruptions stifled the flow of the presentation, making the team feel self conscious with this constant, unnecessary scrutiny.
• The Captious customer complained incessantly about the restaurant's service, finding fault with every detail, from the temperature of the water to the positioning of the silverware. The waiter, despite trying his best, couldn't seem to satisfy him, as his complaints only kept escalating.
• Her Captious nature made her a difficult friend, constantly finding flaws in other people's opinions and habits, even when there was no reason to do so. Her incessant criticism pushed people away, as they found it hard to sustain relationships built on constant negativity.