Which word means 'someone who shows off learning'?

• A. Perfunctory
• B. Paragon
• C. Pedant
• D. Perfidious

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is choosing a word for someone who shows off their learning. The best fit is pedant, a person who is overly concerned with formal knowledge and correctness, often correcting others and emphasizing minor details to display their learning.

Perfunctory describes something done with little effort or care, not a person’s behavior. Paragon refers to a model of excellence or perfection, not someone who ostentatiously displays knowledge. Perfidious means deceitful or treacherous, which has nothing to do with showing off learning.

So, a pedant fits best because it specifically captures the idea of someone who flaunts their knowledge through nitpicky, corrective behavior.