pedantic
puh-DAN-tihk
Pedantic (adj) means Overly focused on formal rules, minor details, or technical correctness, often to an annoying degree. Example: “His pedantic insistence on perfect grammar made the meeting drag on.”
adj
1
Overly focused on formal rules, minor details, or technical correctness, often to an annoying degree.
"His pedantic insistence on perfect grammar made the meeting drag on."
"She gave a pedantic correction about the exact date instead of answering the real question."
How to use pedantic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNit-picky and overly concerned with minor rules or details, in a way that misses the bigger picture.
Common mistake
It's almost always used negatively — calling someone pedantic is a criticism, not a compliment.
Common pairings
pedantic argument
pedantic about grammar
sound pedantic
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more pedantic
- Superlative
- most pedantic
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ insistence on perfect grammar made the meeting drag on.
Etymology
From "pedant" (someone who shows off learning or fusses over rules) plus the adjective ending "-ic."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for pedantic
See all rhymes for pedantic →Frequently asked questions
What does “pedantic” mean?
The word “pedantic” means overly focused on formal rules, minor details, or technical correctness, often to an annoying degree. In plain terms, nit-picky and overly concerned with minor rules or details, in a way that misses the bigger picture.
How do you pronounce “pedantic”?
“Pedantic” is pronounced puh-DAN-tihk (/pəˈdæn.tɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “pedantic” in a sentence?
Here is “pedantic” used in a sentence: “His pedantic insistence on perfect grammar made the meeting drag on.”
What is another word for “pedantic”?
Words with a similar meaning to “pedantic” include pedantical.
What part of speech is “pedantic”?
“Pedantic” is an adjective.
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