excessively concerned with minor details or rules; overly academic
example
His pedantic attention to detail made it difficult for the team to focus on the big picture.
synonyms
nitpickyfastidiousmeticulous
word origin — The word 'pedantic' originated in the early 17th century from the French 'pédant', meaning 'a schoolmaster', which in turn comes from the Italian 'pedante', derived from 'pedare', meaning 'to teach'.
TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 66
Set 66 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: pedantic, incorrigible, adverse, appellate, barren. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
pedantic · adjective/pəˈdæn.tɪk/
excessively concerned with minor details or rules; overly academic
His pedantic attention to detail made it difficult for the team to focus on the big picture.
Synonyms: nitpicky, fastidious, meticulous
Origin: The word 'pedantic' originated in the early 17th century from the French 'pédant', meaning 'a schoolmaster', which in turn comes from the Italian 'pedante', derived from 'pedare', meaning 'to teach'.
incorrigible · adjective/ɪnˈkɔːrɪdʒəbl/
not able to be corrected, reformed, or improved
Despite numerous attempts to help him, his incorrigible behavior continued to disrupt the classroom.
Synonyms: unmanageable, unruly, hopeless
Origin: from Latin 'incorrigibilis', meaning 'not to be corrected', from 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'corrigere' meaning 'to correct'.
adverse · adjective/ædˈvɜrs/
acting against or contrary to one's interests or welfare
The adverse effects of the medication were not immediately apparent, but they became increasingly concerning over time.
Synonyms: unfavorable, detrimental, negative
Origin: from Latin 'adversus', meaning 'turned against', from 'ad' (against) + 'vertere' (to turn)
appellate · adjective/əˈpɛl.ɪt/
relating to or dealing with the review of a decision by a higher court
The defendant's legal team filed an appellate brief to challenge the lower court's ruling.
Synonyms: review, revisory, second-instance
Origin: From Latin 'appellatus', the past participle of 'appellare', meaning 'to call' or 'to summon'.
barren · adjective/ˈbɛrən/
not able to produce offspring or fruit
Despite its harsh climate, the barren land showed resilience, but it remained unable to support any crops.
Synonyms: infertile, unproductive, sterile
Origin: from Old English 'beraern', related to 'bare'; akin to Old High German 'bar', meaning 'empty'