pundit

American  

[puhn-dit] / ˈpʌn dɪt /

noun

1. a learned person, expert, or authority.

   This pundit's formal instruction in history, philosophy, and political science prepared her for activism in many campaigns.

   Synonyms:

   savant, guru, sage

2. a person who makes comments or judgments, especially in an authoritative manner; critic or commentator.

   Opinions masquerade as news, while ill-informed pundits and vested interests cloud the issues and bend the truth into pretzels.

3. pandit.

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pundit British  

/ ˈpʌndɪt /

noun

1. an expert

2. (formerly) a learned person

3. Also called: pandit.  a Brahman learned in Sanskrit and, esp in Hindu religion, philosophy or law

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Pronunciation

See tenet ( def. ).

Other Word Forms

• punditic adjective
• punditically adverb

Etymology

Origin of pundit

First recorded in 1665–75; from Hindi paṇḍit, from Sanskrit paṇḍita “learned man” (noun), “learned” (adjective); of uncertain origin; perhaps akin to prajñā́ “knowledge” ( pro ¹ ( def. ), know ¹ ( def. ) )

Example Sentences

"To allow Brooks to come back with no consequence would undermine the meritocratic foundations that are the one thing that makes the PGA Tour legitimate," said Golf Channel pundit Brandel Chamblee.

From BBC

Supporters and pundits have already written off the Portuguese's chances of keeping the club in the Premier League.

From BBC

She recalls listeners, pundits and even TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson weighing in when she landed the role on the popular show.

From BBC

The cries for this change could be heard from national college football pundits in recent weeks as the playoffs have made a mess of everything else.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's been a difficult season for him," said former England captain Wayne Rooney, working as a pundit on Match of the Day.

From BBC

Related Words

• buff
• cognoscenti
• expert
• intellectual
• philosopher
• professor
• scholar
• thinker