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Pedantically: meaning, definitions and examples

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pedantically

 

[ pɪˈdæn.tɪ.kli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

method of explanation

In a pedantic manner means exhibiting an excessive concern for minor details or rules, often in a way that is ostentatious or scholarly. It implies a focus on precision or formality that may detract from the overall understanding or enjoyment of a subject.

Synonyms

dully, narrow-mindedly, overly precise

Examples of usage

  • He explained the rules pedantically, making them more complicated than necessary.
  • The teacher's pedantic approach left students confused instead of enlightened.
  • She tends to dress and speak pedantically, highlighting her education.
  • He criticizes the book for being too pedantic in its detailed analysis.

Translations

Translations of the word "pedantically" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pedantemente

🇮🇳 पेडेंटिकली

🇩🇪 pedantisch

🇮🇩 secara pedantik

🇺🇦 педантично

🇵🇱 pedantycznie

🇯🇵 細かく言うと

🇫🇷 pédantement

🇪🇸 pedantemente

🇹🇷 pedantik bir şekilde

🇰🇷 세세하게

🇸🇦 بدقة مفرطة

🇨🇿 pedanticky

🇸🇰 pedanticky

🇨🇳 吹毛求疵地

🇸🇮 pedantno

🇮🇸 pedantísk

🇰🇿 педанттық

🇬🇪 პედანტურად

🇦🇿 pedantlıqla

🇲🇽 pedantemente

Etymology

The term 'pedantically' derives from the word 'pedant', which has its origins in the late 16th century from the French word 'pédant' meaning 'one who lectures or teaches.' The etymology can be traced further back to the Italian word 'pedante', meaning 'teacher', which itself comes from 'peda' meaning 'child' in Latin ('peda' is the root of the word 'pedagogy'). Initially, it did not carry a negative connotation; a pedant was simply a teacher or scholar. However, as the usage evolved, it began to imply someone who is overly concerned with academic details to the point of being tedious and annoying. This shift illustrates a societal attitude that values practical knowledge and broader understanding over rigid adherence to rules or details, hence the term 'pedantically' is often used to describe a manner of speaking or acting that may alienate rather than educate.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,798, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.