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Stickler Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ฎ
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stickler

[หˆstษชklษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

for details

A person who insists on a certain quality or type of behavior. A stickler is someone who pays close attention to the rules and expects others to do the same. They are often perceived as strict or demanding.

Synonyms

nitpicker, perfectionist, purist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stickler

Use this word to describe someone who insists on something in a very strict and precise manner, often regarding rules or details.

  • She is a stickler for punctuality and expects everyone to be on time.
  • The teacher is a stickler for proper grammar in every assignment.
perfectionist

Refers to someone who strives for or demands perfection, often in their own work. This can be either positive or negative depending on the context.

  • As a perfectionist, she spent hours making sure every detail of her project was flawless.
  • Sometimes being a perfectionist can be stressful because you never feel satisfied with your work.
nitpicker

This word describes someone who is overly critical about small or minor details. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • Heโ€™s such a nitpicker; he always finds something trivial to complain about.
  • Don't be a nitpicker; the presentation was great overall.
purist

This term is used for someone who insists on traditional or original practices, often in areas like art, language, or food.

  • Heโ€™s a coffee purist and refuses to drink anything but black coffee.
  • As a language purist, she dislikes the use of slang.

Examples of usage

  • He is a stickler for punctuality, always arriving five minutes early.
  • The boss is a stickler for detail, making sure every report is perfect.
  • She is a stickler for grammar, correcting everyone's mistakes.
Context #2 | Noun

for accuracy

A stickler can also refer to someone who is very strict or inflexible about specific rules or standards. They may be uncompromising and rigid in their beliefs or expectations.

Synonyms

rigid adherent, stickler for accuracy, strict enforcer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stickler

Someone who insists on strict adherence to rules or standards, often in an exacting or meticulous way.

  • She's a stickler for punctuality and expects everyone to be on time.
  • John is a stickler when it comes to grammar and will correct every mistake.
stickler for accuracy

Someone who places high importance on precision and exactness, often in a particular area or task.

  • As a stickler for accuracy, she double-checks all her calculations.
  • Heโ€™s a stickler for accuracy in measuring ingredients when cooking.
strict enforcer

Someone who rigorously implements rules, regulations, or laws, often carrying a sense of authority and sometimes a negative connotation.

  • The new manager is a strict enforcer of company policies, ensuring everyone complies.
  • The traffic warden is a strict enforcer when it comes to parking regulations.
rigid adherent

A person who strictly follows rules, traditions, or principles without flexibility, emphasizing a more unyielding attitude.

  • He is a rigid adherent to the companyโ€™s dress code, never allowing any deviations.
  • A rigid adherent to their dietary regimen, they never indulge in cheat days.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher is a stickler for accuracy, deducting points for any errors.
  • He is a stickler for following the protocol, even in minor situations.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, being a stickler is viewed differently; some see it as being responsible, while others may view it as being overly strict.
  • In literature, characters who are sticklers often serve as foils to more relaxed characters, highlighting the tension between rules and spontaneity.

Psychology

  • Research shows that individuals who tend to be sticklers often feel a heightened sense of responsibility and can experience stress when others donโ€™t follow rules.
  • Stickler tendencies can sometimes be linked to perfectionism, where a person wants everything in their life to meet high standards.

Pop Culture

  • Popular films often portray sticklers as comedic characters who struggle to relax in laid-back situations, providing humorous conflict.
  • Television shows frequently feature stickler characters who help move the plot forward through their insistence on rules, creating contrast with carefree protagonists.

Literature

  • Sticklers are common in mystery novels, where their attention to detail helps uncover the truth behind complex plots.
  • Classic literature often includes stickler characters to emphasize themes of order versus chaos.

Origin of 'stickler'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'sticca', which means a stick or a thorn, hinting at someone who pokes into others' adherence to rules.
  • It first appeared in the early 19th century, referring to people who rigorously enforce certain standards.

The word 'stickler' originated in the late 18th century from the obsolete verb 'stickle', meaning 'to argue or contend about trivial matters'. Over time, it evolved to describe a person who is strict or uncompromising about certain rules or standards. The term has been widely used in English literature and everyday language to depict individuals with a strong adherence to specific principles or details.

See also: stick, sticker, stickiness.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,481 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.