fussiness
UK[ˈfʌs.i.nəs]US[ˈfʌs.i.nəs]
n
the quality of being too concerned or worried about details, especially unimportant ones.
n
the quality of being overly elaborate or decorative.
Morpheme Breakdown
fussy
ness
fussy
adjective
ness
noun suffix
Etymology
the word "fussiness" is a modern english formation built upon the adjective "fussy," which emerged in the 18th century. "fussy" itself is derived from the earlier verb "fuss," a word of uncertain but likely imitative origin, perhaps meant to echo the sound of fretful activity or complaint. by adding the old english suffix "-ness," which has been a prolific method of forming abstract nouns from adjectives since the earliest stages of the language, the concrete state or quality of being fussy is created. thus, the term's evolution captures the conceptual shift from a descriptive behavior ("fussy") to an abstract, nameable trait ("fussiness").
Analysis
Structure: fussy (adjective) + ness (noun suffix)
fussy (origin: english, likely imitative of fussing sounds; functional role: adjective root meaning overly concerned with trivial details) + ness (origin: old english -nes, -nis; functional role: noun-forming suffix denoting a state, quality, or condition)
Examples
the fussiness of the instructions made the simple task seem complicated.
her fussiness about the table setting meant every fork had to be perfectly aligned.
the architect was known for a certain fussiness in his ornate designs.