DictionaryAI

pedantic

adjective
puh-DAN-tik/pəˈdæn.tɪk/

2 meanings of pedantic

Practice

  1. 1
    fussy about rulesadjective
    Caring too much about small rules and details that do not really matter.

    Our pedantic coach made us redo the drill because one cone was a little out of place.

    Don't be pedantic about spelling in a quick text message.

    UsageSay pedantic about something.

    Similarfussy, finicky

  2. 2
    showing off knowledgeadjective
    Liking to show how much you know, often in a boring way.

    My uncle gets pedantic at dinner and talks for an hour about ancient Rome.

    The tour guide gave a long, pedantic talk full of dates nobody asked for.

    Similarbookish, pompous, pretentious

Practice

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Origin

Made from pedant + -ic.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 1 fact