VocabDictionary

pedantic

/pəˈdæn.tɪk/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Overly concerned with minute details, minor rules, or displaying one's academic learning in a tiresome and nitpicking manner.

Example Sentences:
  • His pedantic corrections of everyone's grammar quickly annoyed the rest of the dinner party.
  • The professor's pedantic focus on formatting ruined what was otherwise a fascinating lecture.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “pedantic”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the late 16th-century French 'pédantique' or Italian 'pedantesco', ultimately stemming from the Italian 'pedante' (meaning a schoolmaster or teacher). The root is connected to the Greek 'paideia' (childhood, education) and 'pais' (child), originally relating to those who tutored children.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'pedant' acting like an ant—obsessing over every tiny, microscopic detail.

Frequently Asked Questions About “pedantic

1. What is the meaning of “pedantic” in English?

In English, pedantic (adjective) is defined as: “Overly concerned with minute details, minor rules, or displaying one's academic learning in a tiresome and nitpicking manner.”.

2. How do you use “pedantic” in a sentence?

His pedantic corrections of everyone's grammar quickly annoyed the rest of the dinner party.

3. What are English synonyms of “pedantic”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “pedantic”?

Derived from the late 16th-century French 'pédantique' or Italian 'pedantesco', ultimately stemming from the Italian 'pedante' (meaning a schoolmaster or teacher). The root is connected to the Greek 'paideia' (childhood, education) and 'pais' (child), originally relating to those who tutored children.