pedantically
|pe-dan-ti-cal-ly|
/pɪˈdæntɪk/
excessive focus on minor details
Etymology
'pedantically' originates from modern English, specifically formed from the adjective 'pedantic' + the adverbial suffix '-ally' in English.
'pedantic' derived from the noun 'pedant' (French/Italian 'pédant'/'pedante' in the 16th–17th centuries), which ultimately traces back to Latinized and Greek roots such as Latin/Medieval Latin forms from Greek 'paidagōgos' (παιδαγωγός) meaning 'child-leader' or 'tutor'. Over time the formation into English added '-ic' and then the adverbial '-ally' to yield 'pedantically'.
Initially related to 'tutor' or 'teacher' (one who leads or guides a child), it shifted to mean 'one who makes a display of learning' or 'overly concerned with trivial details'; the modern adverb denotes doing something in that overly particular or showy manner.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a pedantic manner; showing excessive concern with minor details, rules, or academic knowledge.
She pedantically pointed out every small error in the formatting.
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Antonyms
Adverb 2
in a showy or ostentatious way intended to display one's learning or correctness.
He explained the simple rule pedantically, as if impressing the room with his expertise.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/17 11:14