technicality
/'tekni'kæliti/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A minor detail or rule, especially one that is formal, legal, or procedural: A "technicality" is a specific, often small point of procedure, law, or specialized knowledge that may seem insignificant in a broader context but can be crucial in formal or legal situations.
- The quality of being technical: It can refer to the state or character of involving specialized knowledge or details.
Usage and Examples
- Noun:
- The case was dismissed on a legal technicality. (The case was ended not because of the main issue, but because of a minor procedural rule.)
- He lost the argument on a technicality about the definition of a word. (He lost the debate due to a minor, precise point about language.)
- Don't get lost in the technicalities; focus on the main idea. (Do not become overly concerned with minor specialized details.)
Advanced Usage
- "To win/lose on a technicality": To succeed or fail in a formal proceeding (like a court case or competition) because of a minor rule or detail, rather than the central merits of the issue.
- The boxer won the match on a technicality after his opponent was disqualified for a minor foul.
- "A mere technicality": Used to dismiss a point as being an unimportant formal detail.
- They claimed the error was a mere technicality and should not invalidate the entire contract.
Variants and Related Words
- Technical (adj): Relating to a specific subject, art, or craft, or its techniques. Involving or concerned with applied and industrial sciences.
- Technically (adv): According to the exact meaning or rules; strictly. Or, in a way that relates to technology or practical skills.
- Technically, the agreement is not valid until it is signed. (Strictly according to the rules.)
Synonyms
- Formality: An established procedure or rule, often one that is routine.
- Triviality: Something of little importance or significance.
- Detail: An individual feature, fact, or item.
Antonyms
- Essence: The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something.
- Substance: The most important part of something; the real or essential meaning.
- Core: The central or most important part.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "Hide behind a technicality": To use a minor rule or detail to avoid blame, responsibility, or an unfavorable outcome.
- The company hid behind a technicality to avoid paying compensation.
- "A technicality of the law": A specific, often narrow point of legal procedure.
- The defense attorney was an expert at finding technicalities of the law.
Noun
- a detail that is considered insignificant