Definition

The quality of being overly academic or bookish, often in a way that is pedantic or pretentious.

Example

His donnishness made him seem out of touch with the practicalities of everyday life.

Conversation

Have you noticed the donnishness of our professor lately?

Yeah, it's like he's really into his own theories now.

I wonder if he realizes how much he's changed since last semester.

Probably not! It's kind of amusing, though.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Donnishness → It is formed from "donnish" (derived from the name "Don", which is a title for a university teacher, especially in Oxford, and is associated with scholarly or academic qualities) and "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "donnishness" refers to the quality or state of being scholarly or academic in a somewhat pedantic or bookish manner.

Memory Tip

Think of the term 'Don' as a title for a teacher, and remember that 'donnishness' describes the quality of being like a scholarly teacher, often in a pedantic way.

Visually Confused Words