Here's a breakdown:
* Excessively concerned with minor details: A pedantic person focuses on small, often trivial, aspects of something, overlooking the bigger picture.
* Rules: They often emphasize rules and regulations, even when they are not relevant or necessary.
* Annoying to others: Pedantic behavior can come across as pompous, condescending, and tiresome. People might find it hard to engage with a pedantic individual because of their constant nitpicking and need for precision.
Here are some examples of pedantic behavior:
* Correcting someone's grammar in casual conversation, even if it doesn't impact understanding.
* Arguing about the exact definition of a word, even if it's not essential to the discussion.
* Focusing on technical details rather than the overall message or idea.
* Insisting on following a specific procedure, even if it's not necessary or efficient.
Think of it this way:
* Pedantic = Focusing on the trees, ignoring the forest.
* Pedantic = Being a grammar Nazi, even when it's not appropriate.
Being pedantic can be frustrating for others, but it's important to note that pedantic behavior can sometimes be a sign of anxiety or insecurity. It's also worth remembering that everyone has different levels of tolerance for pedantry. What one person finds annoying, another might see as helpful or insightful.