Word
pedantic
Phoneticspedan·tic
US/pəˈdæntɪk/
UK/pɛdˈɑːntɪk/
Definition
adj. too focused on small details and strict rules, in a way that annoys other people. You use it for someone who corrects every tiny mistake and misses the bigger point.
adj. excessively concerned with minor details, rules, or formal correctness, often at the expense of broader meaning. Often used to criticize a person, tone, or piece of writing that values precision over clarity.
Examples
“He gives pedantic answers to every simple question.”
“My manager leaves pedantic comments on every report, fixing commas while ignoring the main ideas.”
“Her review was pedantic in the worst sense, cataloguing minor errors while missing the bold argument that made the book worth reading.”
Examples
simple
“He gives pedantic answers to every simple question.”
contextual
“My manager leaves pedantic comments on every report, fixing commas while ignoring the main ideas.”
complex
“Her review was pedantic in the worst sense, cataloguing minor errors while missing the bold argument that made the book worth reading.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “pedantic” in context.
Verb
01. consider pedantic
“Most students consider his marking style pedantic.”
verb + adj
02. dismiss as pedantic
“The committee dismissed his objection as pedantic and trivial.”
verb + prep + adj
03. pedantic about grammar
“As a proofreader, she is naturally pedantic about grammar.”
adj + prep + noun
04. pedantic about punctuation
“He is pedantic about punctuation and spots every missing comma.”
adj + prep + noun
Adjective
05. annoyingly pedantic
“She can be annoyingly pedantic when checking citations and references.”
adv + adj
06. extremely pedantic
“Our new editor is extremely pedantic about hyphenation and spacing.”
adv + adj
07. overly pedantic
“His feedback was overly pedantic, ignoring the strength of my argument.”
adv + adj
08. a pedantic attention to detail
“The solicitor reviewed the contract with a pedantic attention to detail.”
09. a pedantic insistence on accuracy
“He has a pedantic insistence on accuracy that frustrates the team.”
10. an overly pedantic tone
“The essay was well researched but written in an overly pedantic tone.”
11. dismiss something as pedantic
“Don't dismiss his concern as pedantic; accuracy matters in law.”
12. don't want to sound pedantic
“I don't want to sound pedantic, but your conclusion doesn't follow.”
Usage
Typically describes people, comments, or attitudes; used both before nouns ('a pedantic note') and after linking verbs ('the review was pedantic').
Etymology
From pedant + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/pedantic