noun
pedagogue
PED-uh-gog/ˈpedəɡɑːɡ/
A teacher, especially one seen as overly strict or formal.
The stern pedagogue insists that every answer follow his exact format.
Etymology
A 'child-leader' originally escorted boys to school and supervised them, then became a teacher or trainer. The English word later acquired a disparaging sense for a dogmatic, narrow-minded teacher.
In context
He is an extremely gifted pedagogue, extremely wonderful teacher, very clear, very systematic, always comprehensive.
More examples
- Our new principal sounds more like a rigid pedagogue than a supportive leader.
- She is a gifted pedagogue who makes difficult ideas easy to understand.
- These pedagogues value memorization more than lively classroom discussion.
Forms
pedagogue · pedagogues
pedagogy noun — The theory and practice of teaching.
pedagogical adjective — Relating to teaching methods and practice.
Similar words
- teacher
- A neutral term without the suggestion of excessive formality.
- instructor
- Often teaches a particular skill, without implying strictness or pedantry.