Which word describes someone who is 'Too concerned with formal rules'?

• A. Exacting
• B. Precise
• C. Strict
• D. Pedantic

Answer: (D)

The idea here is describing someone who is overly focused on formal rules and tiny details. Pedantic captures that exact vibe: a tendency to nitpick and to fixate on correctness of rules, definitions, or etiquette in a way that can feel unnecessarily fussy. The other options don’t carry that same emphasis on rule-bound fussiness. Exacting means demanding high standards in general, without the specific nitpicky rule-focus. Precise is about accuracy and exactness, not the obsession with formalities. Strict describes rigid enforcement of rules, but not the habit of fussing over minor rule details. A pedantic person might flag trivial grammatical quirks or minor compliance issues even when they don’t affect meaning, which is the hallmark of being overly concerned with formal rules.