fastidious
UK: fæˈstɪd.i.əs | US: fæˈstɪd.i.əs
adj. very attentive to accuracy, detail, or cleanliness; hard to please
adj. showing excessive delicacy or care
fastidious = fastid<disgust> + ious<adjective suffix>
- fastid<disgust>: From Latin fastidium ("loathing, squeamishness"), combining fastus ("disdain") + taedium ("weariness").
- ious<adjective suffix>: Latin -iosus, indicating "full of" or "characterized by."
Etymology Origin:
The word fastidious traces back to Latin fastidium, a blend of fastus (disdain) and taedium (weariness). Originally, it described someone easily disgusted or overly sensitive to imperfections. Over time, it evolved to emphasize meticulousness or excessive pickiness, reflecting its roots in aversion to what is deemed unrefined.
She was fastidious about her workspace, arranging every pen and paper with precision.
His fastidious eating habits made dining out a challenge.
The editor’s fastidious attention to grammar improved the manuscript significantly.
Fastidious collectors often seek items in pristine condition.
Despite her fastidious nature, she appreciated the rustic charm of the old cottage.