What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fastidious
Example
The chef was fastidious about the presentation of his dishes. [fastidious: adjective]
Example
She was fastidiously checking every detail of the report before submitting it. [fastidiously: adverb]
precise
Example
The instructions were precise and easy to follow. [precise: adjective]
Example
He spoke with precise language, leaving no room for misinterpretation. [precisely: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Precise is more commonly used than fastidious in everyday language. Precise is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while fastidious is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fastidious and precise?
Both fastidious and precise are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic, professional, and technical contexts. However, fastidious may have a slightly more negative connotation in some contexts, while precise is generally seen as a positive trait.
