pundit
pundit Lexical Profile
pundit Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An expert in a particular subject or field who is frequently called upon to give opinions and commentary to the public through the media.
"Political pundits spent the entire evening analyzing the unexpected election results on television."
In India, a learned Hindu scholar skilled in Sanskrit and deeply versed in philosophy, religion, and Hindu law.
"During the nineteenth century, British colonial administrators often consulted local pundits to interpret traditional Sanskrit legal texts."
Word Nuance & Usage
The spelling 'pundit' is used for a modern media commentator or subject-matter expert, whereas 'pandit' is generally retained for the traditional Hindu scholar or religious teacher.
• Rhymes for pundit
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 17th century from Hindi 'paṇḍit', from Sanskrit 'paṇḍita', meaning 'learned, wise, or a scholar'.