schoolmasterly
Like a headmaster
Schoolmasterly describes behavior reminiscent of an old-fashioned schoolmaster—pedantic, authoritative, and given to correction.
The word suggests someone who lectures or instructs when not asked to, often with an air of superiority: His schoolmasterly tone made everyone feel like children being scolded.
The connotation is usually negative, implying condescension rather than genuine teaching ability.
Intended to instruct
- instructiveServing to teach
- lecturingGiving an instructive talk
- tutorialInstructional step-by-step guide
- educationalPromoting knowledge or skill
teaching · mentoring · correcting · explaining · expository · edifying · preceptive · guiding
Superior and dismissive manner
- patronizingTreating someone as inferior
- superiorHigher in rank
- moralizingDelivering ethical lectures
- preachyExcessively moralizing in tone
sermonic · admonitory · scolding · chiding · reproving · finger-wagging · sanctimonious · supercilious
Strict or ship's aft
- strictRigorous, without flexibility
- disciplinarianStrict enforcer of rules
- commandingExerting strong authority
- imperiousArrogantly authoritative
domineering · austere · severe · exacting · demanding · rigid · inflexible · unbending
didactic
Intended to instruct
- instructiveServing to teach
- lecturingGiving an instructive talk
- tutorialInstructional step-by-step guide
educational · teaching · mentoring · correcting · explaining · expository · edifying · preceptive · guiding · drilling
condescending
Superior and dismissive manner
- patronizingTreating someone as inferior
- superiorHigher in rank
- moralizingDelivering ethical lectures
preachy · sermonic · admonitory · scolding · chiding · reproving · finger-wagging · sanctimonious · supercilious · lofty
stern
Strict or ship's aft
- strictRigorous, without flexibility
- disciplinarianStrict enforcer of rules
- commandingExerting strong authority
imperious · domineering · austere · severe · exacting · demanding · rigid · inflexible · unbending · firm
schoolmasterlypermissive
Tolerant, lacking strictness
lenient · indulgent · laissez-faire · tolerant · lax
schoolmasterlyegalitarian
Equality principle supporter
collaborative · Socratic · facilitative · humble · unpretentious