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Definition of pedant

pedant

/ˈpɛd.ənt/
ped · ant
Adverb:pedantically
•
Plural:pedants
•
Adjective:pedantic
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pedant Lexical Profile

pedant Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who is excessively concerned with minor details, formal rules, or ostentation in displaying academic knowledge.

Example

"Only a grammatical pedant would interrupt an emotional eulogy to correct a split infinitive."

2

A schoolmaster, tutor, or teacher (archaic).

Example

"In Renaissance comedies, the village pedant was frequently portrayed as a pompous tutor quoting Latin to confused peasants."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for pedant

• Nearby Words

pedalboat
pedaler
pedalo
pedant
pedantic
pedantically
peddle

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Middle French pédant, from Italian pedante ('schoolmaster' or 'teacher'), probably an alteration of Late Latin paedagogantem, from Ancient Greek paidagōgos ('attendant or teacher of children').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pedant. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pedant
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