Meaning of "hairsplitting" in English

"Hairsplitting" refers to the act of making overly fine distinctions or focusing on minor details that may seem unnecessary or trivial. It often implies a level of meticulousness or pedantry that can be seen as excessive or unimportant to the broader context. This term is commonly used to describe arguments or discussions where participants are splitting hairs, engaging in debates over subtle differences that might not significantly impact the overall understanding.

Meaning of "artificiel" in French

The French word "artificiel" translates to "artificial" in English. It describes something made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally, often implying a lack of genuineness or authenticity. This term can be used in various contexts, such as in artificial intelligence, materials, or behaviors. "Artificiel" can sometimes carry a negative connotation, suggesting that something lacks the natural qualities that make it desirable or trustworthy.

Pronunciation of "hairsplitting" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈhɛrˌsplɪtɪŋ/

Pronunciation Variations: In American and British English, "hairsplitting" is pronounced similarly, although the British pronunciation might slightly differ in the emphasis on the "a" sound, making it less pronounced. Regional accents may influence the clarity and stress placed on the syllables.

Pronunciation of "artificiel" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /aʁ.ti.fi.sjɛl/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "artificiel" remains relatively consistent across French-speaking regions, with slight variations in accent between European and Canadian French. European French might have a sharper "r" sound, whereas Canadian French could be more nasal.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. His argument was dismissed as mere hairsplitting. (Son argument a été rejeté comme un simple pinaillage.)
  2. The debate turned into a session of hairsplitting over definitions. (Le débat s'est transformé en une séance de pinaillage sur les définitions.)
  3. Stop all the hairsplitting and focus on the main issue. (Arrêtez tout ce pinaillage et concentrez-vous sur le problème principal.)
  4. She was criticized for her hairsplitting approach to the project. (Elle a été critiquée pour son approche pointilleuse du projet.)
  5. The judge warned against hairsplitting when presenting evidence. (Le juge a mis en garde contre le pinaillage lors de la présentation des preuves.)
  6. Their hairsplitting arguments did not change the outcome. (Leurs arguments pointilleux n'ont pas changé le résultat.)
  7. Lawyers sometimes indulge in hairsplitting during trials. (Les avocats se livrent parfois au pinaillage pendant les procès.)
  8. The team's success was hindered by unnecessary hairsplitting. (Le succès de l'équipe a été entravé par un pinaillage inutile.)
  9. He had a tendency for hairsplitting which frustrated his colleagues. (Il avait tendance au pinaillage, ce qui agaçait ses collègues.)
  10. Hairsplitting over semantics wasted valuable time. (Le pinaillage sur la sémantique a fait perdre un temps précieux.)

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

Synonyms: nitpicking, pedantry, quibbling, hair-splitting, nicety.

Antonyms: generalization, broadness, simplicity, straightforwardness.

Similar Words: detail-oriented, meticulousness, precision, finickiness, exactness.

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

Synonyms: factice, faux, simulé, synthétique, contrefait.

Antonyms: naturel, authentique, réel, vrai.

Similar Words: simulé, factice, manufacturé, contrefait.

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