Definition

A person who makes very small or overly detailed distinctions, often in arguments or reasoning.

Example

He is such a hairsplitter that he can argue about the smallest details of a contract.

Conversation

I can't believe how much time he spends debating every little detail.

Yeah, he really is a bit of a hairsplitter sometimes.

Exactly! It can be so frustrating when he won't just let things go.

For sure, but I guess that's just his way of wanting everything to be perfect.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hairsplitter → It is formed from "hair" (from Old English *hæġer*, meaning the fine strands growing from the skin) and "splitter" (from "split" which comes from Old English *splittan*, meaning to divide). The word refers to someone who divides or makes fine distinctions, often over trivial matters, much like splitting hairs.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is overly concerned with tiny details, as if they are 'dividing' ('split') the 'fine strands' ('hair') of an argument.

Visually Confused Words