What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
schoolish
Example
The teacher's schoolish approach to discipline was not appreciated by the students. [schoolish: adjective]
Example
His schoolish attitude towards learning made him unpopular among his peers. [schoolish: noun]
pedantic
Example
The professor's pedantic lectures were difficult to follow. [pedantic: adjective]
Example
She was accused of being pedantic when she corrected her friend's grammar. [pedantic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pedantic is more commonly used than schoolish in everyday language. Pedantic is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while schoolish is less common and is typically only used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between schoolish and pedantic?
Both schoolish and pedantic are generally considered informal words. However, pedantic is more likely to be used in formal writing or speech due to its association with academic or intellectual matters.