Definition
Something or someone that is pedantic is overly concerned with minor details or rules, often to the point of being annoying or tiresome. It can also refer to a narrow or dogmatic focus on academic or theoretical knowledge.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
nitpicky, fussy, punctilious, meticulous, precise, academic
Antonyms
relaxed, informal, easygoing, nonchalant, unpretentious
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | pedantry, pedantries, pedant, pedants |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | pedantic |
| Adverb | pedantically |
Example Sentences
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The teacher was so pedantic about grammar that it made the students’ heads spin.
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The author’s writing style was so pedantic that it was difficult to follow the plot.
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The engineer was accused of being pedantic when he insisted on precise measurements for every component of the design.
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The art critic’s pedantic analysis of the painting detracted from its beauty and emotional impact.
Usage
The word “pedantic” describes someone or something that is overly concerned with minor details or rules, often to the point of being annoying or tiresome. It can be used to describe people who are obsessed with accuracy and correctness, even in situations where it may not be necessary or relevant.
The word “pedantic” can also refer to a narrow or dogmatic focus on academic or theoretical knowledge, to the exclusion of practical experience or real-world applications. In this sense, it is often used to criticize scholars or experts who are more interested in theory than in practical application.
The word “pedantic” can be used with prefixes and suffixes to create related words. For example, “hyperpedantic” is an adjective that emphasizes an even more extreme degree of pedantry, while “pedant” is a noun that refers to someone who is excessively concerned with minor details. “Pedantry” is a noun that describes the quality or state of being pedantic.
The word “pedantic” comes from the Latin word “paedagogus,” which means teacher or instructor. This root can also be seen in related words like “pedagogy” and “pedagogue.” The suffix “-ic” in “pedantic” means “relating to” or “characteristic of,” and it is commonly used to create adjectives from nouns.
Overall, the word “pedantic” is a useful way to describe someone or something that is overly concerned with minor details or rules, often to the point of being annoying or tiresome. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from academic and professional settings to everyday conversations. By highlighting the dangers of excessive attention to detail and narrow focus, the word “pedantic” encourages us to strive for a balance between precision and practicality in all that we do.