pedantic — being excessively concerned with minor details or rules; showing off one's knowledge
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: being excessively concerned with minor details or rules; showing off one's knowledge
Pronunciation (IPA): /pɪˈdæntɪk/
Example Sentences
- My pedantic roommate labels everything in the fridge with exact expiration times.
- The editor's pedantic corrections made the simple article look like a medical journal.
- Don't be so pedantic about grammar rules when we're just texting casually.
pedantic
ADJECTIVE[/pɪˈdæntɪk/]
being excessively concerned with minor details or rules; showing off one's knowledge

The pedantic professor circles a tiny comma error in red ink.

Pedantic rules turn romantic into frantic!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Italian 'pedante' meaning a teacher or schoolmaster, ultimately derived from Latin 'paedagogus' (pedagogue). The word entered English in the 16th century and came to describe someone who is overly concerned with trivial details and formalities.
Breakdown
pedant (a person who is excessively concerned with minor details) + -ic (adjective suffix meaning 'of or relating to') = pedantic
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My pedantic roommate labels everything in the fridge with exact expiration times.”
“The editor's pedantic corrections made the simple article look like a medical journal.”
“Don't be so pedantic about grammar rules when we're just texting casually.”
“His pedantic lecture on the proper way to fold napkins lasted two hours.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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