Pedant
mediumPED-unt
noun
Definition
A person who is excessively concerned with minor details, rules, and academic formality
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.”
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
malleable
Easily influenced or changed; adaptable
dogmatic
Inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true
benign
Gentle, harmless, or not serious; not causing harm or danger
didactic
Intended to teach or moralize; educational in nature or purpose
diffidence
Lack of confidence in oneself; shyness or modesty
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