fussy
/ˈfʌsi/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfʌsi/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfə-sē/ (ame, mw)
fussy — adjective
- fussypositive
- fussiercomparative
- fussiestsuperlative
1. wanting things done in a very exact way and not being easily pleased when small
wanting things done in a very exact way and not being easily pleased when small details seem wrong
Eri is fussy about how the towels are folded.
be fussy about how something is done
The restaurant lost customers because its chef was fussy about every plate.
Henrik is a fussy eater and refuses soup with onions.
Brooke grew fussy over the wedding flowers and changed them twice.
- picky
more everyday and often slightly critical
- particular
stresses wanting one exact way of doing things
- fastidious
more formal and often linked to taste or neatness
- easygoing
not worried about small details
- undemanding
satisfied without special treatment
文法句型
be fussy about something
be fussy over small details
用法筆記
Often used with about or over plus food, clothes, order, or other details. Distinguish from sense 4, which is about irritability rather than exact standards.
2. covered with more decoration or tiny details than look attractive
covered with more decoration or tiny details than look attractive
The sofa looked fussy beside the room's plain white walls.
used for a style with too many details
Minh replaced the fussy curtains with simple linen ones.
That menu feels fussy, with six fonts and gold borders.
The designer removed the fussy trim from the lamp shade.
用法筆記
Usually said about clothes, interiors, furniture, or design. It criticizes excess detail, not careful workmanship.
3. used about a baby who cries often, is hard to settle, and is not easy to please
used about a baby who cries often, is hard to settle, and is not easy to please
Sophia's baby gets fussy when the room is too warm.
get fussy when uncomfortable
The twins turned fussy after missing their afternoon nap.
Joshua rocked the fussy infant until the baby finally slept.
A feed and a dry diaper often calm a fussy newborn.
用法筆記
Most common with babies and very young children, especially when they are tired, hungry, or uncomfortable.
4. easily annoyed or unable to stay calm, often showing it in quick nervous movemen
easily annoyed or unable to stay calm, often showing it in quick nervous movements
Cyrus grew fussy in the queue and kept tapping his foot.
grow fussy while waiting too long
The patient became fussy while waiting for the scan results.
Tamar grew fussy at the gate, twisting her boarding pass.
Leo got fussy from the heat and snapped at everyone.
用法筆記
Often describes a short spell of bad temper or restless agitation. Unlike sense 1, it does not suggest careful standards or neatness.