Pedant
mediumNegative tonePED-unt
noun
Definition
A person who is excessively concerned with minor details, rules, and academic formality
Memory hook
A PEDANT is like a PENDANT hanging on every tiny detail — annoyingly obsessed with minor rules.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The grammar pedant corrected everyone's speech at the dinner party, making the conversation uncomfortable.”
“While attention to detail is important, being a pedant about formatting can slow down creative work.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The grammar ______ corrected everyone's speech at the dinner party, making the conversation uncomfortable.”
Show answer
pedant
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Pedant is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "doctrinaire" or "purist" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "pragmatist".
Related GRE Words
benevolent
Well-meaning and kindly; generous and charitable
benign
Gentle, harmless, or not serious; not causing harm or danger
boorish
rude, ill-mannered, and insensitive
contrite
feeling deep remorse for wrongdoing; repentant
didactic
Intended to teach or moralize; educational in nature or purpose
diffidence
Lack of confidence in oneself; shyness or modesty
Master pedant and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.