Borrowed in the 1670s from Hindi paṇḍit, from Sanskrit paṇḍita, meaning “learned” or “a learned person.” English first used it for a Hindu scholar, then broadened it to any supposed authority and later to a public commentator.
Public expert or commentator
noun
media
neutral
A person presented as an expert who regularly gives opinions or analysis to the public, especially in the media, sometimes with a hint that the authority is self-claimed.
Examples
- The political pundit predicted a close election.
- Several football pundits questioned the coach’s tactics.
- She became a regular technology pundit on morning television.
- Not every market pundit agreed that prices would fall.
- The result surprised even the most confident pundits.
Learned South Asian scholar
noun
religion
archaic
An older English spelling for a learned South Asian scholar or teacher, especially one versed in Sanskrit, Hindu philosophy, law, or religion. Pandit is now the usual spelling for this sense.
Examples
- The court consulted a pundit on a difficult point of Hindu law.
- A respected pundit taught Sanskrit texts at the temple school.
- The manuscript records a debate between two learned pundits.
- In older English accounts, a Hindu scholar might be called a pundit.
- Modern writing usually spells this title pandit rather than pundit.