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technicism

technicism

9.5
A small rule or legal detail that can change a decision
  • noun
  • /ˈtɛk.nɪ.sɪ.zəm/
translation icon : tecnicismo
  • The contract was voided due to a technicism overlooked by both parties.

Examples

  • The judge ruled based on a specific technicism in the law.

  • Sometimes a single technicism can change the result of an entire trial.

  • The lawyer found a technicism that allowed the case to be dismissed.

  • Many contracts are filled with technicisms that confuse clients.

  • The lawyer found a technicism that allowed the case to be dismissed.

  • Sometimes a single technicism can change the outcome of an entire trial.

  • The contract was voided due to a technicism overlooked by both parties.

Synonyms

technicality
vstechnicism
47 6.5

A small detail in rules that changes the result

is the same meaning but in a different word form

Antonyms

43 5.3

A statement that applies to many people or situations

How Specific

loophole
115 5.8
technicism
9.5
detail
1.0
provision
  • Formal
313 5.6
principle
633 3.8

Surface Forms

technicism singular
technicisms plural

Morphology

technicism = technical (semi-transparent) = technic + ism

Formed from 'technic/technical' + '-ism'; the components are clear but using '-ism' to mean a 'minor technical/legal detail' is not the most typical or predictable sense for learners.

Etymology

Technicism comes from the root tech-, from a Greek word for 'skill' or 'craft', the same root as technique and technology. So a legal or official technicism is a small technical point or rule that, like a tiny tool, can change the final decision.