Choose the most appropriate option to replace the underlined phrase in the given sentence:-
My father’s penchant for excessive concern for minor details drives my mother up the wall and leads to fruitless arguments.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → pedantry
Pedantry means too much attention to small details and rules, usually in a way that irritates other people. The underlined phrase "excessive concern for minor details" is the definition of pedantry, so the sentence becomes "My father’s penchant for pedantry drives my mother up the wall".
Example: His pedantry over every comma made the editing meeting drag on for hours.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: pecuniary — Incorrect. Pecuniary is an adjective meaning relating to money; it does not name any habit and has nothing to do with details.
Example: He helped his friend without any thought of pecuniary gain.
Option 2: pedagogy — Incorrect. Pedagogy is the method and practice of teaching.
Example: The workshop trained teachers in modern pedagogy.
Option 3: prosody — Incorrect. Prosody is the study of rhythm, stress and metre in poetry and speech.
Example: The lecture on Milton’s prosody explained how his lines are measured.