Pedant

/ˈpɛd.ənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules, often at the expense of understanding or practicality.

The pedant in the literature class insisted that every comma was crucial to the poem's meaning.

A person who makes an excessive or inappropriate display of learning.

His pedant behavior during discussions made it difficult for others to engage with him.

One who adheres rigidly to formal rules or narrow learning.

The professor's pedant approach to teaching scared away many of her students.

From French 'pédant', originally from Italian 'pedante', which means 'teacher'.

pedantic approach

An overly meticulous or detailed way of presenting information.

pedant to the core

A person who is fundamentally obsessed with detail and accuracy.

obsessive

Displaying an unhealthy focus on detail or repetition.

academic

Relating to education and scholarship.

meticulous

Showing great attention to detail.

Grammar Nazi

Don't be such a grammar Nazi; not everyone cares about your pedantic corrections!

Know-it-all

He's a real know-it-all when it comes to trivia; always acting like a pedant.