What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pedantic
Example
The professor was so pedantic that he spent an entire lecture discussing the proper use of a comma. [pedantic: adjective]
Example
She was criticized for being pedantic in her approach to grammar, focusing too much on minor details. [pedantic: adjective]
meticulous
Example
The artist was meticulous in his brushstrokes, ensuring every detail was perfect. [meticulous: adjective]
Example
She was praised for her meticulous research, leaving no stone unturned in her investigation. [meticulous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Meticulous is more commonly used than pedantic in everyday language. Meticulous is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pedantic is less common and often used in academic or intellectual settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pedantic and meticulous?
Pedantic is typically associated with a formal and academic tone, while meticulous can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
