nitpick

nit·pick

N n

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [nit-pik]
- /ˈnɪtˌpɪk/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [nit-pik]
- /ˈnɪtˌpɪk/

Definitions of nitpick word

verb without object nitpick to be excessively concerned with or critical of inconsequential details. 1
verb with object nitpick to criticize by focusing on inconsequential details. 1
noun nitpick a carping, petty criticism. 1
adjective nitpick of, relating to, or characteristic of a nitpicker or nitpicking. 1
noun nitpick To correct minutiae or find fault in unimportant details; to kvetch. 1
intransitive verb nitpick find faults 1

See all 8 definitions of nitpick

Information block about the term

Origin of nitpick

First appearance:

before 1965

One of the 2% newest English words

First recorded in 1965-70; nit1 + pick1

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Nitpick

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Nitpick

nitpick popularity

A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 62% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.

This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.

nitpick usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for nitpick

verb nitpick

cavil — If you say that someone cavils at something, you mean that they make criticisms of it that you think are unimportant or unnecessary.
complain — to make an accusation; bring a formal charge
quibble — an instance of the use of ambiguous, prevaricating, or irrelevant language or arguments to evade a point at issue.
find fault — a defect or imperfection; flaw; failing: a fault in the brakes; a fault in one's character.
criticise — criticize

All 8 Synonyms of nitpick