Stickler
/ˈstɪklɚ/
nounB2
Definition
A stickler is someone who cares a lot about rules, details, or standards and wants others to follow them exactly. This person often does not accept mistakes or shortcuts and expects things to be done properly.
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See It in Action
A person who insists on exact rules or standards
- •She is a stickler for grammar and always corrects my sentences.
- •He is a stickler about punctuality; he hates being late.
- •The manager is a stickler for safety procedures in the factory.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "stickler" like "person who cares about rules," but stronger—someone who sticks very closely to rules and details
- ✓Picture a teacher who always checks homework carefully and wants everything perfect
- ✓It's the feeling when someone says, "No, you must do it exactly this way," even if others are okay with small changes
- ✓Sounds like "stick" → imagine someone who sticks firmly to rules and never lets go
- ✓Think of a strict referee in a game who watches every move and stops the game for small mistakes
- ✓NOT like "easy-going" (who accepts small mistakes), a stickler is strict and careful about correctness
- ✓NOT like "perfectionist" who wants everything perfect for quality, a stickler focuses especially on following rules or standards
- ✓NOT like "rule breaker," a stickler wants rules followed exactly, no exceptions
Try Other Words
- •Perfectionist: someone who wants everything perfect (Use when the focus is on quality, not just rules)
- •Rule-follower: a person who follows rules carefully (Use when the focus is on obeying rules but less strict)
- •Strict person: someone who enforces rules firmly (Use when emphasizing firmness or discipline)
- •Nitpicker: someone who finds small faults (Use when the focus is on small mistakes, often negative)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "stick" + suffix "-ler" (person who does something)
- •Etymology: From English "stick" meaning to hold firmly, plus "-ler" meaning a person who does an action
- •Historical development: The word appeared in the 1800s to describe someone who sticks to rules or customs strictly
- •Modern usage: Used to describe people who insist on rules, details, or standards, often in work, school, or social situations
Reflect & Connect
•Can being a stickler be helpful sometimes? When might it be a problem?
•How do you feel when someone is a stickler about small details? Does it help or annoy you?
Fill in the blanks
1.A stickler always ___ to the rules and does not accept exceptions.
2.She is a stickler for ___, so she checks every sentence carefully.
3.Unlike someone who is easy-going, a stickler ___ small mistakes.
4.When the teacher is a stickler, students ___ to complete their homework exactly.
5.Being a stickler ___ sometimes causes frustration among friends or colleagues.
6.A stickler might ___ about punctuality and get upset if someone is late.
7.If you want to avoid problems with a stickler, you should ___ their standards carefully.