Definition

In a way that is likely to find fault or criticize, often unnecessarily.

Example

She spoke captiously, pointing out every small mistake in the report.

Conversation

I feel like some people can be really captiously critical about movies.

Yeah, they nitpick every little detail instead of enjoying the film.

Exactly! It ruins the experience when they focus on the negatives.

Definitely, a little appreciation goes a long way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Captiously → It is formed from "captious" (from Latin "captiosus", meaning deceitful or fallacious) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "captiously" means in a manner that is inclined to find fault or raise petty objections.

Memory Tip

Think of someone being 'deceitful' or 'fallacious' ('captious') when they criticize, and the '-ly' indicates the manner of that criticism.

Visually Confused Words