Words / C2

pi-DANT-ik/pɪˈdæntɪk/

Pedantic means fussing over small rules and details in a way that irritates: a pedantic point about a comma. Fussy is everyday; nit-picking is informal. A pedant is the person, and the adjective is almost always unkind. Precise and meticulous can praise the same care when it serves the task; in speech, splitting hairs or hung up on a tiny point is enough.

Meaning

Too concerned with small rules and details, in a way that annoys people.

Examples

• “A pedantic comment on a comma can halt the discussion.”
• “A pedantic interruption about spacing halted a useful debate.”
• “Be accurate, not pedantic: fix the date, then let the argument breathe.”

Good to know

Fussy about tiny rules (critical). Person: a pedant. Everyday: nit-picking. Praise instead: precise / meticulous.

Near in meaning

fussy

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