French translation of hairsplitter is 
hairsplitter

Meaning of "hairsplitter" in English

A "hairsplitter" is someone who makes overly fine distinctions or focuses on minute and insignificant details, often to the detriment of broader understanding or practical relevance. This term is typically used pejoratively to describe individuals who are excessively precise or pedantic in discourse, emphasizing trivial differences rather than addressing the main point. The word is often applied to situations where such meticulous attention to detail is viewed as unnecessary or obstructive.

Meaning of "hairsplitter" in French

In French, a "hairsplitter," or "pinailleur," refers to an individual who pays excessive attention to trivial details, often to the point of being annoyingly meticulous. It describes someone with a tendency to engage in detailed analysis that is often seen as unnecessary or nitpicky. Generally used in a critical sense, this term highlights an emphasis on fine distinctions rather than focusing on the bigger picture, which can be seen as a flaw in communication or reasoning.

Pronunciation of "hairsplitter" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈherˌsplɪtər/

Pronunciation Variations: There are not many variations in the pronunciation of "hairsplitter" across different English-speaking regions, although slight accentual differences may exist, particularly between American and British English.

Pronunciation of "hairsplitter" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /pinɛjœʁ/

Pronunciation Variations: Variations in pronouncing "pinailleur" might exist due to regional accents in France, such as the nasal quality in the North or the rolled 'r' in the South, but these do not significantly alter the recognizable sound of the word.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. The lawyer was a notorious hairsplitter in court. (L'avocat était un pinailleur notoire au tribunal.)
2. He was labeled a hairsplitter for his excessive attention to minor details. (On l'a qualifié de pinailleur pour son attention excessive aux détails mineurs.)
3. She spent hours hairsplitting the contract clauses. (Elle passait des heures à pinailler sur les clauses du contrat.)
4. The debate turned into a hairsplitter's delight. (Le débat est devenu un régal pour un pinailleur.)
5. Being a hairsplitter often hindered his decision-making process. (Être un pinailleur entravait souvent son processus de décision.)
6. Critics accused him of being a hairsplitter in his reviews. (Les critiques l'ont accusé d'être un pinailleur dans ses critiques.)
7. The committee grew tired of his hairsplitter tendencies. (Le comité s'est lassé de ses tendances de pinailleur.)
8. As a hairsplitter, she found flaws in every argument. (En tant que pinailleuse, elle trouvait des défauts dans chaque argument.)
9. His hairsplitter approach frustrated his colleagues. (Son approche de pinailleur a frustré ses collègues.)
10. The author's hairsplitter nature was evident in his detailed footnotes. (La nature pinailleuse de l'auteur était évidente dans ses notes de bas de page détaillées.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "hairsplitter" in English

Synonyms: pedant, nitpicker, quibbler, stickler, fusspot, purist, perfectionist, meticulous person, faultfinder, stickler.

Antonyms: simplifier, generalist, broad-minded person, pragmatist, straightforward.

Similar Words: analyzer, critic, examiner, inspector, scrutinizer.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "hairsplitter" in French

Synonyms: pinailleur, chicaneur, ergoteur, perfectionniste, minutieux, critique, tatillon, pointilleux.

Antonyms: simplificateur, pragmatique, désinvolte.

Similar Words: analyste, critique, examinateur, inspecteur, scrutateur.

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