technicalities

[/ˌtɛknɪˈkælɪtiz/]
nounfemininepl: technicalities
tecnicidades, detalhes técnicos, questões técnicas
1. Small details or points related to technical or formal procedures, often used to describe minor legal or procedural requirements
He won the case on a technicality rather than on the merits.
Ele ganhou o caso por uma tecnicidade e não pelo mérito.
2. Specialized or technical details that are difficult to understand for non-experts
Don't worry about the technicalities; just focus on the main idea.
Não se preocupe com as tecnicidades; apenas concentre-se na ideia principal.
3. Formal requirements or procedural points, especially in legal or administrative contexts
The contract was rejected on technicalities.
O contrato foi rejeitado por questões técnicas.
In both Brazilian and American legal contexts, 'technicalities' often refer to procedural points that can determine case outcomes. In Brazil, this term is particularly used when discussing bureaucratic obstacles or formal requirements that may seem trivial but have significant consequences. In American culture, 'winning on a technicality' is often viewed with mixed feelings—it's a legal victory but sometimes seen as avoiding substantive justice.
NYC Slang
the fine print; red tape
Synonyms / Sinônimos
technicalitiesdetailsformalitiesproceduresspecifications
Antonyms / Antônimos
essencesubstancecoremain point

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
tecnicidades, detalhes técnicos
Most commonly used in legal and formal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
tecnicidades, questões técnicas
Similar to general Brazilian Portuguese usage
São Paulo
questões técnicas, detalhes formais
Frequently used in business and legal contexts
Portugal
tecnicidades, questões técnicas
Similar usage but may prefer 'questões técnicas' in formal writing

Related Words

technicaltechniquetechnical specificationprocedural requirementfine print

Related Idioms & Phrases

win on a technicality
lose on a technicality
cut through the technicalities
buried in technicalities
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