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

Scottish football legend and TV pundit Ally McCoist has revealed he is living with an incurable hand condition.

From BBC

That's why I flinched to hear pundits describe Trump as a "strongman," and even worry at times about the word "fascist," though I use it out of a commitment to truth-telling.

From Salon

Philip had to shut down a fiery panel discussion earlier this month when a different Trump-backing pundit turned to transphobia to explain why Democrats lost the White House, prompting a reaction from commentator Jay Michaelson.

From Salon

The former Wales international, who now uses her married name Allen-Wyatt, often appears as a pundit and commentator for Manchester City on their women's games.

From BBC

This is also true in how the media class and pundits insist on viewing women as a unitary identity.

From Salon

Related Words

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