Choose the word with a negative/pejorative connotation denoting excessive, irritating obsession with trivial formal rules:
While thorough editing is admirable, the reviewer's commentary was dismissively ________, focusing entirely on minor formatting margins rather than substantive empirical claims.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. pedantic
Answer: pedantic. Why not the others: 'meticulous', 'scrupulous', and 'conscientious' carry positive connotations praiseful of careful, honest, and thorough diligence.
- Step 1: Analyze the context: the commentary is described with the critical adverb 'dismissively' and criticized for obsessing over trivial details at the expense of substantive matters.
- Step 2: 'Pedantic' has an explicitly negative connotation meaning excessively concerned with minor rules or displaying trivial academic learning.
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