What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pernickety
Example
The pernickety teacher always insisted on everything being done exactly right. [pernickety: adjective]
Example
She's so pernickety about her food that she won't eat anything that's not cooked to perfection. [pernickety: adjective]
finicky
Example
He's so finicky about his clothes that he won't wear anything that's not perfectly ironed. [finicky: adjective]
Example
She's a finicky eater and will only eat food that meets her high standards. [finicky: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Finicky is more commonly used than pernickety in everyday language, especially in American English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pernickety and finicky?
Both pernickety and finicky are informal words that are typically used in casual conversation rather than formal writing or speech.
