Definition

The quality of being overly concerned with being proper or neat, often to the point of being fussy or easily offended.

Example

Her prissiness made it difficult for her to enjoy casual gatherings with friends.

Conversation

Have you noticed her prissiness lately?

Yeah, it's like she can't relax at all.

I wonder if she's always been that way, or if it's new.

It seems like she’s trying too hard to impress everyone.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Prissiness is derived from the adjective 'prissy' (originating from the 19th century, possibly a diminutive form of 'prude'), which describes someone who is excessively proper or prim. The suffix '-ness' (meaning the state or quality of) is added to indicate the quality of being prissy. Therefore, 'prissiness' refers to the quality of being overly proper or affectedly dainty.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is overly proper or prim ('prissy') and how the '-ness' indicates a state or quality. This helps you remember that 'prissiness' is the quality of being excessively proper.

Visually Confused Words