Word of the Day : January 12, 2021

pedantic \pih-DAN-tik\ adjective

Definition

1 : of, relating to, or being a pedant

2 : narrowly, stodgily, and often ostentatiously learned

3 : unimaginative, dull

Did You Know?

In William Shakespeare's day, a pedant was a male schoolteacher. The word's meaning was close to that of the Italian pedante, from which the English word was adapted. Someone who was pedantic was simply a tutor or teacher. But some instructional pedants of the day must have been pompous and dull because by the early 1600s both pedant and pedantic had gained extended senses referring to anyone who was obnoxiously and tediously devoted to their own academic acumen. When describing arguments, pedantic can be used for instances where one relies too heavily on minor details as a way to show off one's intelligence.

Aired January 12, 2021

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