Pedantic: meaning, definitions and examples

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pedantic

 

[ pəˈdantɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

in behavior

Excessively concerned with minor details or rules; overscrupulous.

Synonyms

meticulous, nitpicking, perfectionist, precise

Examples of usage

  • He wrote a pedantic lecture on grammar rules.
  • She was often criticized for being pedantic in her approach to work.
Context #2 | Adjective

in writing

Characterized by a narrow, often ostentatious concern for academic knowledge and formal rules.

Synonyms

academic, pompous, pretentious, scholarly

Examples of usage

  • The pedantic style of his writing made it difficult for the average reader to follow.
  • Her pedantic essay was filled with unnecessary jargon.

Translations

Translations of the word "pedantic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pedante

🇮🇳 सूक्ष्मतावादी

🇩🇪 pedantisch

🇮🇩 pendant

🇺🇦 педантичний

🇵🇱 pedantyczny

🇯🇵 細かい

🇫🇷 pointilleux

🇪🇸 pedante

🇹🇷 titiz

🇰🇷 꼼꼼한

🇸🇦 مدقق

🇨🇿 pedantický

🇸🇰 pedantický

🇨🇳 拘泥细节的

🇸🇮 pedanten

🇮🇸 smásmyglinn

🇰🇿 мұқият

🇬🇪 პედანტური

🇦🇿 təfərrüatçı

🇲🇽 pedante

Etymology

The word 'pedantic' originates from the late Middle English word 'pedant', which originally referred to a male schoolteacher. Over time, it evolved to describe someone who is overly concerned with minor details and rules. The concept of pedantry has been associated with both positive traits like precision and negative traits like being overly rigid. The term has been used extensively in literature and academic discussions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,598, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.