51Թ

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View synonyms for

hairsplitting

[ hair-split-ing ]

noun

  1. the making of unnecessarily fine distinctions.


adjective

  1. characterized by such distinctions:

    the hairsplitting arguments of a political debate.

    Synonyms: , ,

hairsplitting

/ ˈɛəˌɪɪŋ /

noun

  1. the making of petty distinctions
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. occupied with or based on petty distinctions
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈ󲹾ˌٳٱ, noun
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • 󲹾st noun
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of hairsplitting1

First recorded in 1820–30; hair + splitting
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Blame hairsplitting among generally like-minded Democrats and the lack of any real GOP competition to spur a deep and meaningful discussion.

From

These arguably hairsplitting thoughts nagged at me thanks to my job as a congressional correspondent focused on federal spending.

From

This may seem like hairsplitting, but it is not without import.

From

This may sound like hairsplitting, but when it comes to Verdi’s longest opera, less is less, even with a strong cast like the Met’s for this revival.

From

Whether you use gift or credit on the bathroom or bedroom is some microscopic hairsplitting.

From

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