vétilleux

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fussy, finicky, nitpicking
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/ve.ti.jø/
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Giving minor details more attention than they deserve.

Examples

  • Elle s'est montrée vétilleuse sur des détails sans importance.
    She was nitpicking about unimportant details.
  • Un contrôle trop vétilleux ralentit tout le service.
    Overly fussy checking slows the whole department.
  • Ce correcteur est si vétilleux qu'il discute chaque virgule.
    This proofreader is so fussy that he questions every comma.
  • Ils ont abandonné cette procédure vétilleuse et peu utile.
    They dropped that overly exacting and unhelpful procedure.
  • Le client vétilleux a contesté la moindre nuance de couleur.
    The finicky customer disputed the slightest shade of colour.

Similar words

chicaneur
tatillon
pointilleux
minutieux

Meanings

Overly fussy about details

adjective
character
formal
To focus so much on small points that they become obstacles or causes of complaint.

Examples

  • Ce correcteur est si vétilleux qu'il discute chaque virgule.
    This proofreader is so fussy that he questions every comma.
  • Elle s'est montrée vétilleuse sur des détails sans importance.
    She was nitpicking about unimportant details.
  • Un contrôle trop vétilleux ralentit tout le service.
    Overly fussy checking slows the whole department.
  • Le client vétilleux a contesté la moindre nuance de couleur.
    The finicky customer disputed the slightest shade of colour.
  • Ils ont abandonné cette procédure vétilleuse et peu utile.
    They dropped that overly exacting and unhelpful procedure.

Similar words

Etymology

From vétiller, “to fuss over trifles”, with the adjective ending -eux.

FAQ

What does vétilleux mean?

Excessively concerned with small details.

What is the feminine form?

Vétilleuse.

Is it always a compliment?

No, it usually suggests needless fuss.

Can a procedure be vétilleuse?

Yes, if it is overconcerned with minor points.

What is the masculine plural?

Vétilleux, unchanged.

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