Paṇḍit
/ˈpʌn.dɪt/noun
A learned person, especially a Hindu scholar or a commentator regarded as an expert.
Did you know?In the nineteenth century, British surveyors trained Indian “pundits” to secretly map Tibet, using concealed instruments and counting steps to evade detection.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
paṇḍita
“A learned or wise person, especially a scholar.”
Ancient India
Pali
paṇḍita
“Wise, learned, or knowledgeable.”
Medieval Indian languages
Hindi and other Indo-Aryan languages
paṇḍit
“A learned Brahmin, religious scholar, or teacher.”
17th–18th Century
Anglo-Indian English
pundit
“A Hindu scholar or native informant employed by British officials.”
19th Century
English
pundit
“An expert or authoritative commentator.”
Modern English
English
pundit
“A person who gives opinions publicly, especially in politics or the media.”