I am desperately trying to remember a word. I came across it in a novel about two years ago and recently wanted to use it in an article I was writing. Unfortunately, I couldn't remember it.
Its meaning is something like hair-splitting -- and a word close to its meaning is "cavillous". The word refers to distinctions that are excessive, perhaps pedantic, unnecessary or self-indulgent.
I vaguely recall that the word starts with a "d" or a "p". Any ideas?
Comments by egriton
egriton commented on the word pedantic
I am desperately trying to remember a word. I came across it in a novel about two years ago and recently wanted to use it in an article I was writing. Unfortunately, I couldn't remember it.
Its meaning is something like hair-splitting -- and a word close to its meaning is "cavillous". The word refers to distinctions that are excessive, perhaps pedantic, unnecessary or self-indulgent.
I vaguely recall that the word starts with a "d" or a "p". Any ideas?
Thanks!
September 20, 2013