What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
schoolmasterish
Example
The teacher's schoolmasterish approach made the students feel uncomfortable. [schoolmasterish: adjective]
Example
He spoke in a schoolmasterish tone, making it clear that he expected obedience. [schoolmasterish: adverb]
pedantic
Example
She was criticized for her pedantic approach to grammar, focusing on minor errors. [pedantic: adjective]
Example
He spoke in a pedantic manner, using technical jargon that was difficult to understand. [pedantic: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pedantic is more commonly used than schoolmasterish in everyday language. Pedantic is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while schoolmasterish is less common and may be considered archaic or old-fashioned.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between schoolmasterish and pedantic?
Both schoolmasterish and pedantic have negative connotations and are generally considered informal or even insulting. However, pedantic can be used in more formal contexts, such as academic writing, to describe a particular type of behavior or language use.
