pedantic

[ puh-dan-tik ]

adjective

1. ostentatious in one's learning.
2. overly concerned with minute details or formalisms, especially in teaching.

   Synonyms: doctrinaire, didactic

pedantic

/ pɪˈdæntɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by pedantry

Derived Forms

• peˈdantically, adverb

Other Words From

• pe·danti·cal·ly adverb
• pe·danti·cal·ness noun
• semi·pe·dantic adjective
• semi·pe·danti·cal adjective
• semi·pe·danti·cal·ly adverb
• unpe·dantic adjective
• unpe·danti·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pedantic¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; pedant + -ic

Example Sentences

Although the work can be laborious and may seem pedantic to others, scientists such as Behl are drawn to this work because it reveals how our present is still being shaped by the Earth’s 4.54-billion-year history.

From Los Angeles Times

Donald Trump, in visible decline, became agitated, pedantic, and increasingly unserious as the broadcast wore on.

From Slate

Pointing out that the Crime Bill did not drive mass incarceration is not an exercise in pedantic fact-checking.

From Slate

It was almost impressive how she managed to be so pedantic and also bullying at the same time.

From Slate

It's told in a joke, so it makes the point without being pedantic about it or anything like that.

From Salon

Related Words

• abstruse
• pompous
• stilted