Pundit
/ˈpʌn.dɪt/noun
An expert or commentator who offers authoritative opinions, especially in public or political discussion.
Did you know?In colonial British India, British officials borrowed the word from Indian usage and applied it to Hindu scholars, especially experts in Sanskrit law, religion, and astrology.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
paṇḍita
“Learned, wise, scholarly person; often a religious or scriptural expert”
Early Indo-Aryan / Pali
Pali
paṇḍita
“Wise or learned person, especially a person versed in religious teaching”
Medieval Indo-Aryan
Hindi
paṇḍit / pandit
“A Hindu scholar, priest, or learned authority”
17th Century
Anglo-Indian English
pundit
“A learned Hindu scholar, particularly one consulted on religion, law, or local customs”
19th Century
English
pundit
“An authoritative expert or interpreter, increasingly used beyond its Indian religious context”
Modern English
English
pundit
“A public expert or commentator, especially in politics, journalism, or broadcasting”