pedantry Definition
- 1excessive concern with minor details and rules
- 2an instance of being excessively concerned with minor details and rules
Using pedantry: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pedantry" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
His pedantry made him unpopular among his colleagues.
Example
The teacher's pedantry made it difficult for students to learn.
Example
I try to avoid pedantry when writing, but sometimes it's necessary to be precise.
Example
Her pedantry about grammar made her a good editor.
pedantry Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for pedantry
- nitpicking
- quibbling
- hair-splitting
- overemphasis on detail
- obsessing over details
Antonyms for pedantry
- broad-mindedness
- open-mindedness
Phrases with pedantry
an excessive focus on the exact wording of a text or rule, rather than its intended meaning
Example
The judge criticized the prosecutor's pedantry of the letter, saying that it was more important to consider the spirit of the law.
Example
The lawyer argued that the judge's decision was based on pedantry of the law, rather than a fair interpretation of its intent.
an excessive focus on academic rules and conventions, often at the expense of practical experience or real-world knowledge
Example
The professor's pedantry of the academy made it difficult for students to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.
Origins of pedantry
from the French word 'pédanterie', from Italian 'pedanteria', from 'pedante' meaning 'teacher'
Summary: pedantry in Brief
The term 'pedantry' [ˈpɛd(ə)ntri] refers to excessive concern with minor details and rules. It can manifest in various contexts, such as writing, teaching, and law. Examples include 'His pedantry made him unpopular among his colleagues,' and 'Her pedantry about grammar made her a good editor.' Phrases like 'pedantry of the letter' and 'pedantry of the law' denote an excessive focus on the exact wording of a text or rule, rather than its intended meaning.
