Fastidious

Fastidious describes a person who is very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail. It often implies a meticulous approach, a high standard of cleanliness, and a tendency to be critical or hard to please. A fastidious individual pays close attention to every aspect of a task or environment, often to the point of being overly particular or demanding. This characteristic can manifest in various areas, from personal grooming and hygiene to work performance and aesthetic preferences. They may be easily disgusted or repulsed by things others find insignificant. Their perfectionism can sometimes lead to procrastination or difficulty in completing tasks, as they strive for an unattainable level of flawlessness.

Fastidious meaning with examples

• The fastidious chef meticulously inspected every ingredient, ensuring each one met his exacting standards for freshness and quality. No speck of dust could remain in the kitchen, and he even used a special technique to guarantee all the food was visually perfect. His fastidious nature made him a stickler, and he often butted heads with staff who did not share his attention to detail.
• Emily was known for her fastidious approach to her studies; her notes were perfectly organized, and every assignment was completed with meticulous care and attention to detail. Her fastidious preparation and studying allowed her to achieve a near-perfect grade point average throughout her educational career, as she did not tolerate imperfections.
• The fastidious homeowner spent hours each weekend maintaining his garden, meticulously trimming the hedges, weeding the flowerbeds, and ensuring every blade of grass was perfectly manicured. His fastidious dedication often made his neighbors envy the incredible beauty of his home's outside aesthetics.
• A fastidious critic scrutinized every detail of the film, from the acting and cinematography to the editing and score, ultimately finding few elements to truly praise. His fastidious viewpoint often led to harsh reviews, as he expected nothing less than perfection from those behind the camera or stage.