Fastidious
hardPositive tonefa-STID-ee-us
adjective
Definition
Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail
Memory hook
FAST-IDIOUS: so particular they're disgusted (fastidium) by anything imperfect - fussy about every detail.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“He was fastidious about cleanliness in the kitchen.”
“Her fastidious nature made her an excellent editor.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“He was ______ about cleanliness in the kitchen.”
Show answer
fastidious
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Fastidious is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "meticulous" or "scrupulous" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "slovenly".
Related GRE Words
scrupulous
Diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details
conscientious
Wishing to do what is right, especially to do one's work properly
painstaking
Done with or employing great care and thoroughness
methodical
Done according to a systematic or established procedure
meticulous
Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise
stringent
strict, precise, and demanding in requirement or standard
Master fastidious and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.