adjective
- overly concerned with minor details or rules; showing off one’s knowledge in an annoying way
Usage: often disapproving
Examples
- The teacher’s pedantic corrections made the students feel discouraged.
- His pedantic attention to grammar rules slowed down the conversation.
- She found his pedantic explanations boring and unnecessary.
- The editor’s pedantic style guide frustrated the writers.
- Don’t be so pedantic about the formatting—the content matters more.
- His pedantic nature made him unpopular at casual dinner parties.