finicky

/ˈfɪnɪki/

Group 24Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(adjective)
Fussy about requirements; excessively particular
GRE

Example in Context

The finicky client rejected three design proposals before approving a fourth that differed from the original only in minor details.

Synonyms

fussypickychoosy

Etymology

Being overly particular about the details, as if at the end of the line, nothing is good enough.

  • fin- (Latin) — end
  • -icky (English) — fussy

Memory Aid

🍽️Sounds like “finicky

A chef so FINICKY that he throws a tantrum if a SINGLE crumb is out of place on the plate!

Visual Association

🧴A person obsessively rearranging every bottle of lotion in their bathroom until they're perfectly aligned.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “finicky” mean on the GRE?

finicky (adjective) means “Fussy about requirements; excessively particular”. The finicky client rejected three design proposals before approving a fourth that differed from the original only in minor details.

How to remember “finicky” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “finicky” sounds like “finicky”. A chef so FINICKY that he throws a tantrum if a SINGLE crumb is out of place on the plate!

What are synonyms for “finicky”?

Common synonyms: fussy, picky, choosy.