Pernickety

Pernickety describes someone who is excessively concerned with details, rules, or standards; fastidious; fussy. This often manifests as an insistence on perfection, a tendency to find fault easily, and a strong preference for things to be done in a specific way. pernickety individuals can be difficult to please, often dwelling on minor imperfections or deviations from their expectations. Their meticulous nature, though sometimes helpful, can also lead to unnecessary stress and frustration for themselves and others. The word highlights a hyper-critical approach, frequently applied to trivial matters. It suggests an inability to be satisfied with anything less than a perceived ideal.

Pernickety meaning with examples

• The chef was incredibly pernickety about the presentation of his dishes, meticulously arranging each garnish and scrutinizing the placement of every sauce droplet. He would often send plates back to the kitchen, even for the slightest imperfection, driving the staff to distraction.
• Aunt Mildred was pernickety about her gardening; every weed was meticulously removed, and the roses were pruned with surgical precision. She would spend hours tending her prize-winning plants, constantly fussing over their well-being and growth.
• The editor was pernickety when reviewing manuscripts, demanding adherence to a strict style guide, and meticulously correcting every grammatical error, regardless of how minor.
• The toddler was pernickety about his bedtime routine; he insisted on a specific number of books, a particular stuffed animal, and precise placement of his blankets before falling asleep.
• Choosing a wedding dress can be a tough one. When it came to choosing the dress, she was absolutely pernickety, trying on dozens of gowns and complaining about every seam and silhouette.