Pedantry

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈpÉ›d.É™n.tɹi/

Origin

pedant + -ry. From Middle French pedant, pedante, from Italian pedante ("a teacher, schoolmaster, pedant"), of uncertain origin, traced by some sources

to Latin paedagogans, present participle of paedagogare ( = to teach, from Greek "paedagogein" = to instruct children ). Confer French pédanterie.

Full definition of pedantry

Noun

1. An excessive attention to detail or rules.
2. An instance of such behaviour.I don't want to listen to your pedantries anymore.
3. An overly ambitious display of learning.

Related terms

• pedant
• pedantic
• pedantocracy