Pundit

A pundit is a person who offers expert analysis or opinion on current affairs, especially politics, in public forums, media, or print. The word originates from the Sanskrit pandita meaning learned person, which entered English via Persian and Hindi/Urdu as pandit; in English spelling, pundit became common by the 18th or 19th centuries, with pandit also encountered in Indian English contexts. In South Asia, a pandit/pundit is a scholar or priest; in English usage, the term broadened to denote a commentator or critic who shares opinions on news and policy issues.

In contemporary media, pundits appear on television talk shows, radio programs, podcasts, and op-ed pages to dissect events, assess policy proposals, or forecast political developments. They come from various backgrounds—academia, journalism, former policymakers, or industry experts—and are valued for specialized knowledge or quick analysis. Critics warn that punditry can emphasize wit over evidence, promote partisan narratives, and produce overconfident predictions; the line between informed commentary and advocacy can blur, and the term itself can carry a pejorative connotation when used to criticize perceived self-importance or insubstantial argument.

Punditry extends beyond politics to sports, entertainment, and other fields where commentators analyze trends and outcomes. Related terms include public intellectual, commentator, and expert; while punditry implies public, media-facing commentary, it remains distinct from formal scholarship or policy advisory work.