Langimage
English

pernickety

|per-nick-e-ty|

C1

🇺🇸

/pərˈnɪkɪti/

🇬🇧

/pəˈnɪkɪti/

fussy about details

Etymology
Etymology Information

'pernickety' originates from Scottish, specifically the word 'pernickitie,' where 'per-' was an intensifier and 'nick' meant 'to cut or notch.'

Historical Evolution

'pernickitie' transformed into the modern English word 'pernickety' through Scottish influence.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to be overly concerned with small notches or details,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'fussy about small details.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

fussy about small details; overly particular or fastidious.

She is pernickety about how her clothes are folded.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35