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Finickiness: meaning, definitions and examples

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finickiness

 

[fɪˈnɪkɪnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

attention to detail

The quality of being finicky, especially in one's attention to detail. It often involves being overly fussy or particular about small details.

Synonyms

fastidious, fussy, picky.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
finickiness

Use this word to describe someone who is excessively concerned with minor details or quality, often to a fault.

  • Her finickiness made it difficult for her to find suitable restaurants
  • The finickiness of the artist is evident in every brushstroke
picky

Commonly used to refer to someone who is very selective, especially with food or choices, often seen as a minor inconvenience.

  • He's a picky eater and only likes plain pasta
  • The client was picky about the project details, requiring several revisions
fussy

Suitable for describing someone who is hard to please and overly particular about small things, carrying a slightly negative connotation.

  • The toddler is fussy about his food and won't eat anything green
  • She is so fussy about her living space that even a book out of place bothers her
fastidious

This word is used for someone who is very attentive to detail and is concerned with cleanliness and precision.

  • He is fastidious about his appearance, always making sure his clothes are perfectly pressed
  • Fastidious editors catch even the smallest errors

Examples of usage

  • She was known for her finickiness when it came to choosing the right fabric for her dresses.
  • His finickiness about the arrangement of the furniture in the living room bordered on obsessive.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the 18th century and is derived from the term 'finicky,' which means overly fussy or difficult to satisfy.
  • It is linked to the old English 'finick,' which referred to someone who is excessively dainty or fastidious.
  • The prefix 'fin-' suggests something delicate or detailed, reinforcing the idea of being overly concerned with minor details.

Psychology

  • People exhibiting finickiness may struggle with anxiety, which makes them more sensitive to their environment.
  • Research shows that high standards in personal preferences can correlate with perfectionism.
  • Being finicky can sometimes be a coping mechanism, where individuals seek comfort in control over small aspects of life.

Pop Culture

  • In TV shows and movies, finicky characters are often portrayed as comical, highlighting their exaggerated picky behavior.
  • Famous fictional characters, like Sheldon Cooper from 'The Big Bang Theory,' reflect finickiness through their strict routines and preferences.
  • In culinary contexts, finickiness can be a plot device, where chefs must cater to very discerning clients or food critics.

Everyday Life

  • Children may show finickiness with food, refusing to eat certain items while favoring others.
  • In home decor, finicky individuals might redecorate frequently, seeking the perfect look that meets their specific taste.
  • Finickiness often appears in fashion, where people meticulously choose outfits based on trends or personal style.

Literature

  • Finickiness can be a theme in character development, often highlighting conflicts arising from overly particular traits.
  • Classic literature features finicky characters that drive the plot by their insistence on specific details, showcasing their quirks.
  • Authors might use finickiness to symbolize deeper issues, such as a character's struggle for control in a chaotic world.

Translations

Translations of the word "finickiness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exigência

🇮🇳 सावधानी

🇩🇪 Pingeligkeit

🇮🇩 kecerewetan

🇺🇦 прискіпливість

🇵🇱 pedanteria

🇯🇵 細かさ (こまかさ)

🇫🇷 minutie

🇪🇸 meticulosidad

🇹🇷 titizlik

🇰🇷 세심함

🇸🇦 دقة

🇨🇿 puntičkářství

🇸🇰 puntičkárstvo

🇨🇳 挑剔 (tiāotì)

🇸🇮 natančnost

🇮🇸 smámunasemi

🇰🇿 ұқыптылық

🇬🇪 წვრილმანი

🇦🇿 xırdalıq

🇲🇽 meticulosidad

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,763, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.