noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of pedantry
First recorded in 1575–85, pedantry is from the Italian word pedanteria. See pedant, -ry
Explanation
You know that person who is always interrupting other people, correcting their grammar or their facts? That's pedantry, or inappropriately showing off your knowledge. The noun pedantry refers to the behavior of a pedant, which comes from the French word pédant, meaning “schoolmaster.” While it is a schoolmaster's job to ensure that students learn, someone who is guilty of pedantry just seems to brag, using his or her knowledge to get attention or seem better educated than the people around him or her.
Vocabulary lists containing pedantry
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Dracula
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Pedantry aside, it’s also worth noting that, despite all the false starts, detecting exoplanets was one of those rare and wonderful occasions when a project turned out to be easier than anticipated.
From Scientific American • Nov. 12, 2019
Pedantry aside, Micro and the most of Crichton’s work contribute to an important discussion about making policies for science and technology.
From Slate • Dec. 5, 2011
Pedantry turning into farce; neither ban was workable in practice.
From The Guardian • May 7, 2010
Pedantry and affectation were his abomination; pith and vigor, directness and comprehensiveness, the radical elements of his strength.
From Vondel's Lucifer by Vondel, Joost van den
This one example well will prove, Will lib'ral laughter doubtless move: When Pedantry shall cease to swell, Honour'd Humility will spell.
From A Minniature ov Inglish Orthoggraphy by Elphinston, James
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
