1. in a way that shows excessive concern with minor details or rules; in an overly scholarly manner that lacks practical understanding
Usage: often implies criticism of someone’s approach

Examples

• The teacher pedantically corrected every minor grammar mistake in the essay.
• He pedantically insisted that everyone follow the exact procedure outlined in the manual.
• She pedantically quoted obscure rules that no one else remembered.
• The editor pedantically changed every instance of ‘which’ to ‘that’ in the manuscript.
• He pedantically explained the historical context of every reference in the poem.
• The professor pedantically demanded that all citations follow the precise format requirements.