The word "schoolmasterish" typically connotes an authoritative, rigid, or pedantic demeanor associated with traditional schoolmasters. Synonyms for this adjective include "pedagogical," "didactic," "autocratic," "strict," "formal," "stern," "inflexible," and "authoritarian." Alternative phrases to describe a similar persona include "by-the-book," "rule-bound," "serious," "domineering," "paternalistic," "disciplinarian," and "classroom-oriented." These terms portray a certain type of educator who prioritizes order, followed rules, and blindly adheres to the status quo. While many of these traits can be valuable in a teaching position, they can also be limiting or counterproductive when taken to extremes.