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Pedantic

usgb/pɪˈdæntɪk/Volume
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Negative Connotation

The word 'pedantic' often implies that being detail-oriented is excessive and unwanted.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Her pedantic approach to editing overshadowed the story's creativity.
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Criticism & Irritation

Describing someone as 'pedantic' can suggest you're irritated by their focus on trivia.

Illustration for Criticism & Irritation
I wish he'd stop being so pedantic about my spelling errors.
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Misunderstood Thoroughness

Sometimes 'pedantic' is mistaken for being thorough or meticulous, which can be positive.

Illustration for Misunderstood Thoroughness
Although he's pedantic, his careful nature has saved us from many errors.
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Compare with

DidacticDogmaticFussyObsessivePerfectionPrecisePriggishPunctiliousScholar
Visual representation of the word "Pedantic"

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