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Pedantry: meaning, definitions and examples

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pedantry

 

[ ˈpɛdəntrɪ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

excessive detail

Pedantry refers to an excessive concern for minor details and rules. It often manifests in a way that disregards the overall value of the subject at hand. This behavior is typically viewed negatively, as it can hinder productive discussion and creativity. While attention to detail can be beneficial, pedantry takes it to an extreme that can alienate others.

Synonyms

dogmatism, nitpicking, perfectionism, punctiliousness.

Examples of usage

  • His pedantry annoyed his colleagues during meetings.
  • The professor's pedantry overshadowed his brilliant teaching.
  • She criticized his pedantry, saying it added nothing to the project.
  • The article was filled with pedantry, making it difficult to follow.

Translations

Translations of the word "pedantry" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pedantismo

🇮🇳 पेडेंट्री

🇩🇪 Pedanterie

🇮🇩 pedantisme

🇺🇦 педантизм

🇵🇱 pedanteria

🇯🇵 ペダントリー

🇫🇷 pédanterie

🇪🇸 pedantería

🇹🇷 pedantlık

🇰🇷 페단트리

🇸🇦 التفاصيل الدقيقة

🇨🇿 pedanterie

🇸🇰 pedantstvo

🇨🇳 迂腐

🇸🇮 pedantizem

🇮🇸 fíflaraskapur

🇰🇿 педанттық

🇬🇪 პედანტიზმი

🇦🇿 pedantizm

🇲🇽 pedantería

Etymology

The term 'pedantry' originates from the French word 'pédant', which means 'a teacher' or 'a schoolmaster'. This word itself is derived from the Latin 'paedagogus', meaning 'teacher' or 'guide', which can be traced back to the Greek 'paidagogos', referring to a slave who led children to school. Over time, the connotation of the term shifted from a simple label for a teacher to one carrying the notion of being overly concerned with rules and formalities. The usage began to appear in English in the late 17th century, often to describe individuals who focused too much on trivial details and rules instead of the broader picture of knowledge and learning.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,579, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.