Captiousness

Captiousness is the tendency to find fault, raise objections, or make petty criticisms, especially in a deliberately negative or argumentative manner. It often involves nitpicking, looking for flaws, and being overly critical of others' words or actions. A captious individual often appears hyper-sensitive, quick to take offense, and prone to finding fault even when none is intended. This behavior can strain relationships and create a tense or unpleasant atmosphere. The root of the word lies in the Latin 'captiosus,' meaning 'full of trickery' or 'fallacious,' reflecting the subtly deceptive nature of this critical tendency. It's about seeking out weaknesses, rather than offering constructive feedback.

Captiousness meaning with examples

• Her Captiousness was evident in her constant interruptions during the presentation, seizing on minor inaccuracies to derail the discussion and belittle the presenter's efforts. The team eventually became frustrated by her need to find fault with every suggestion and comment. This negative behavior made project progress difficult and undermined the team's morale.
• The online forum became a breeding ground for Captiousness, with users constantly attacking each other's opinions and grammar. Constructive dialogue was replaced with personal insults and nitpicking, and no one felt free to share their viewpoints without fear of critical attacks. The community was plagued by negativity, making the platform almost unusable.
• Despite her genuine affection for her partner, her Captiousness about the way he prepared coffee often led to unnecessary arguments. It strained their relationship because he felt he was never doing anything right, even if it wasn't intended as criticism. It undermined the connection that existed between them.
• The editor's Captiousness regarding the novel's plot details created a contentious working relationship with the author. Every plot point was questioned, and the original vision for the story was changed to accommodate the editor's exacting requirements. The creative process suffered because of this attention to the minute aspects of the story.