Select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank.

Someone who worries too much about small details or rules is said to be ____.

Pedantic

The correct answer is Option (3) → Pedantic

• Pedantic (Adjective) means excessively concerned with minor details, rules, or academic learning. A pedantic person often shows off their learning or knowledge by adhering strictly to rules and formalisms in an irritating way.

• Elite refers to a select group that is superior in terms of abilities or qualities.

• Highbrow refers to intellectual or cultural refinement.

• Scholarly means involving or characteristic of serious academic study.

While scholarly and highbrow relate to intellect, pedantic captures the idea of excessive, nitpicky worry about small details and rules.