Basic Details
Word: Pedant
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A person who is too concerned with minor details or rules, especially in teaching or learning.
Synonyms: Know-it-all, purist, stickler
Antonyms: Nonchalant, carefree, easy-going
Idioms and Phrases
- Penny wise, pound foolish: Refers to someone who is careful about small amounts of money but not about larger amounts. Example: "Being a pedant can sometimes make you penny wise, pound foolish, as you focus too much on trivial issues."
- Cross your t's and dot your i's: Means to pay attention to the small details. Example: "The pedant always reminds his students to cross their t's and dot their i's before submitting their assignments."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The teacher was known to be a pedant, correcting even the slightest grammatical errors in her students' essays.
Example 2: While it is important to be accurate, being a pedant can sometimes frustrate your friends.
Example 3: His pedant tendencies often led him to debate minute details during discussions, distracting from the main point.
Fun Fact
The term "pedant" originates from the late Latin word "paedagogans," which means "to lead a child." In ancient times, a "pedagogue" was a slave who led a child to school, thus leading to the modern meaning of someone who is overly focused on teaching or knowledge.
Famous Quote
"The true teacher defends his students against his own personal influences." - Mr. G. K. Chesterton
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "pedant" mean?
a) A carefree person
b) Someone overly concerned with details
c) A type of animal
d) A musician
Answer: b) Someone overly concerned with details
2. Which of these is a synonym of "pedant"?
a) Nonchalant
b) Know-it-all
c) Chill
d) Relaxed
Answer: b) Know-it-all
3. Which is the opposite of "pedant"?
a) Carefree
b) Analytical
c) Exact
d) Precise
Answer: a) Carefree
4. Which sentence uses "pedant" correctly?
a) The pedant loves playing sports.
b) My pedant friend always insists on following the rules during board games.
c) He wanted to be a pedant in the kitchen.
d) The pedant ran a marathon last weekend.
Answer: b) My pedant friend always insists on following the rules during board games.
5. Which idiom refers to being overly concerned with details?
a) Penny wise, pound foolish
b) The early bird catches the worm
c) A watched pot never boils
d) All bark and no bite
Answer: a) Penny wise, pound foolish
