HAIRSPLITTING Meaning and
Definition
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Hairsplitting is a term used to describe the act of excessively or excessively focusing on small, insignificant details or technicalities, particularly in arguments or discussions. It refers to a pedantic or nitpicking attitude, where the individual is overly concerned with minor differences or distinctions that are not essential to understanding or resolving a particular matter.
The term "hairsplitting" often implies a meticulous or obsessive attention to minor details, without considering the bigger picture or broader context. People who engage in hairsplitting tend to prioritize precision and accuracy, often at the expense of practicality or effectiveness. This excessive focus on trivialities can hinder progress or resolution, as it diverts attention away from more significant issues or solutions.
Hairsplitting can be seen in various contexts, including legal debates, academic discussions, or political arguments. In legal proceedings, for example, lawyers may engage in hairsplitting to exploit technical loopholes or ambiguous wording. Similarly, in academic debates, scholars may excessively dissect minor points to demonstrate their expertise or to discredit opposing viewpoints.
While attention to detail is often valued, hairsplitting takes it to an extreme, where the emphasis on insignificant details becomes counterproductive and frustrating for those involved in the discussion or decision-making process.
In summary, hairsplitting refers to an excessive focus on trivial details or technicalities, which can hinder understanding, progress, or practicality in various contexts.
Common Misspellings for HAIRSPLITTING
- gairsplitting
- bairsplitting
- nairsplitting
- jairsplitting
- uairsplitting
- yairsplitting
- hzirsplitting
- hsirsplitting
- hwirsplitting
- hqirsplitting
- haursplitting
- hajrsplitting
- hakrsplitting
- haorsplitting
- ha9rsplitting
- ha8rsplitting
- haiesplitting
- haidsplitting
- haifsplitting
- haiersplitting
- hairspliting
Etymology of HAIRSPLITTING
The word hairsplitting originated from the verbal phrase to split hairs, which has been recorded since the late 16th century. The term split hairs refers to the act of making excessively fine or trivial distinctions or arguments. It is believed that the phrase to split hairs comes from the notion of dividing a single hair into smaller and smaller parts, symbolizing excessive attention to minute details. Over time, the verbal phrase was converted into a noun, leading to the word hairsplitting.
Similar spelling words for HAIRSPLITTING
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