What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pedantry
Example
The professor's pedantry made it difficult for students to understand the main concepts. [pedantry: noun]
Example
She criticized his grammar in every sentence, showing her pedantic tendencies. [pedantic: adjective]
nitpicking
Example
Stop nitpicking and focus on the bigger picture. [nitpicking: verb]
Example
Her nitpicky attitude made it hard for others to work with her. [nitpicky: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nitpicking is more commonly used than pedantry in everyday language. Nitpicking is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, while pedantry is more specific and often associated with academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pedantry and nitpicking?
Pedantry is generally considered more formal than nitpicking. It is often used in academic or professional contexts where precision and accuracy are important, while nitpicking is more informal and can be used in everyday conversations.
