What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pedant
Example
The professor was a pedant, always correcting students' grammar and pronunciation. [pedant: noun]
Example
She was being pedantic when she insisted on using the exact word instead of a synonym. [pedantic: adjective]
scholar
Example
The scholar's research on ancient civilizations was groundbreaking. [scholar: noun]
Example
He spent years studying abroad to become a scholar in his field. [scholar: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scholar is more commonly used than pedant in everyday language. Scholar is a positive term that is widely recognized and respected, while pedant is less common and may have a negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pedant and scholar?
Scholar is typically associated with a formal and academic tone, while pedant is more informal and may be used in a negative or critical context.
