Hairsplitter (Noun)
Meaning
A disputant who makes unreasonably fine distinctions.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The philosopher was accused of being a hairsplitter for insisting that a distinction between two virtually identical concepts was essential to his argument.
- His nitpicking approach to debating had led some to label him a hairsplitter, with few able to follow his elaborate reasoning.
- She frustrated her colleagues by dwelling on subtly different interpretations of the policy, gaining a reputation as a hairsplitter who stalled decision-making.
- In court, the lawyer's attempts to distinguish between two nearly indistinguishable aspects of the statute triggered accusations from opposing counsel that she was merely a hairsplitter.
- Avoiding engagement with those he deemed hairsplitters, the politician preferred discussions that focused on broad concepts rather than minute details.