pundit

[ puhn-dit ]

noun

1. a learned person, expert, or authority:

   This pundit's formal instruction in history, philosophy, and political science prepared her for activism in many campaigns.

   Synonyms: savant, guru, sage

2. a person who makes comments or judgments, especially in an authoritative manner; critic or commentator:

   Opinions masquerade as news, while ill-informed pundits and vested interests cloud the issues and bend the truth into pretzels.

3. pandit ( def ).

pundit

/ ˈpʌndɪt /

noun

1. an expert
2. (formerly) a learned person
3. Also calledpandit a Brahman learned in Sanskrit and, esp in Hindu religion, philosophy or law

Pronunciation Note

See tenet ( def ).

Other Words From

• pun·dit·ic [puhn-, dit, -ik], adjective
• pun·dit·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of pundit¹

First recorded in 1665–75; from Hindi paṇḍit, from Sanskrit paṇḍita “learned man” (noun), “learned” (adjective); of uncertain origin; perhaps akin to prajñā́ “knowledge” ( pro ¹( def ), know ¹( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of pundit¹

C17: from Hindi pandit, from Sanskrit pandita learned man, from pandita learned

Example Sentences

Later that summer, she also debuted as Sky Sports' first woman football pundit.

From BBC

This pedigree helped him become a mainstay pundit on the BBC and Match of the Day.

From BBC

The ex-Manchester City and England defender burst onto the footballing scene as a teenager, but, after an on-pitch career curtailed by a knee injury, Richards has blossomed as the ever-animated pundit with a mega-watt personality to boot.

From BBC

His ultimate aim was to end up as the presenter rather than a pundit.

From BBC

By the mid-90s, Lineker was also appearing on Match of the Day as a pundit.

From BBC

Related Words

• buff
• cognoscenti
• expert
• intellectual
• philosopher
• professor
• scholar
• thinker