Hairsplitting (Adjective)
Meaning
Developed in excessively fine detail; "finespun distinctions".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The philosopher's argument relied on hairsplitting distinctions between intention and action that struck many audience members as irrelevant to the main point.
- Many students find hairsplitting analyses of literary texts mind-numbingly dull and focus on broader themes instead.
- Her nitpicking critique of the policy seemed like hairsplitting to many, but to her, the details mattered.
- By constantly raising hairsplitting objections to every proposal, the minority party was able to stall the vote indefinitely.
- The team spent an inordinate amount of time debating hairsplitting issues of terminology, much to the frustration of the project manager.