stickler

/ˈstɪklə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstɪklər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsti-k(ə-)lər/ (ame, mw)

stickler — noun

  • sticklersingular
  • sticklersplural

1. a person who expects a specific rule, standard, or way of behaving to be followe

1.名詞B2
釋義

a person who expects a specific rule, standard, or way of behaving to be followed very closely, and may point out or correct any failure to meet that expectation

例句

Kimiko is a stickler for grammar and often corrects her classmates' punctuation mistakes.

pattern: stickler + for + [topic]

Oluchi is a stickler for cleanliness and wipes every kitchen surface down twice a day.

collocation: stickler for cleanliness

同義詞
  • perfectionist

    a perfectionist demands flawless quality in everything; a stickler focuses on one specific rule or standard

  • traditionalist

    a traditionalist follows long-established customs; a stickler may insist on any rule, whether old or new

  • pedant

    a pedant is overly concerned with minor details or academic knowledge, often in an annoying way; a stickler may be admired for keeping high standards

反義詞
  • slacker

    a slacker avoids effort or responsibility, the opposite of someone who insists on exact standards

文法句型

a stickler + for + [rule/standard]

a stickler + about + [behaviour/detail]

用法筆記

Always used with a prepositional phrase introduced by 'for' or 'about' that names the specific rule or standard. A stickler is strict about one particular thing, not generally strict about everything. The tone can be positive (admiring high standards) or mildly negative (implying inflexibility), depending on the situation.

常見錯誤

❌He is very stickler about grammar.
✅He is a stickler for grammar.
💡'stickler' is a noun, not an adjective; it must be preceded by 'a' and followed by 'for' or 'about'.
❌She is a stickler of punctuality.
✅She is a stickler for punctuality.
💡the correct preposition is 'for', not 'of'.