What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
donnish
Example
The professor's donnish demeanor made it clear that he was an expert in his field. [donnish: adjective]
Example
She had a donnish air about her, always carrying a book and eager to discuss ideas. [donnish: noun]
pedantic
Example
He was so pedantic about grammar that he would interrupt conversations to correct people's usage. [pedantic: adjective]
Example
Her pedantry made it difficult to have a conversation without feeling judged for every word choice. [pedantry: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pedantic is more commonly used than donnish in everyday language. Pedantic can be used in a wider range of contexts and has a more negative connotation, making it a more versatile word.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between donnish and pedantic?
Donnish is considered more formal than pedantic and may be seen as outdated or old-fashioned in some contexts. Pedantic can be used in both formal and informal settings, although it may be perceived as overly critical or nitpicky in some situations.
