What word means "overly focused on a minor detail in an argument"?

Question

Let's say you're having an discussion/argument with a friend:

You make a point, which is valid, but misstate a minor point that doesn't impact your overall argument.

Your friend focuses on the mistake, and argues that it negates your whole argument.

What's really going on is the friend is using the mistake as an excuse to avoid the point. Sometimes the "mistake" isn't one at all, just something the friend can fixate one to avoid the actual point.

I've been trying to think of this word, without success. The closest I can find is "pedantic", but it's not quite right.

Here's a possible example:
- You want to discuss something that happened last summer.
- Your friend argues that the date you mentioned was May, which isn't officially "summer".
- Argh.

Thanks!

Answer 1

That sounds an awful lot like 'pedantic' or 'picky' or 'being nit-picking' especially your last example. If they persist in fixating on a non-mistake, they're sort of being stubborn or obstinate but that's probably not the word you want. Actually, i think highlighting a trivial mistake is being 'pedantic', and saying it negates your whole argument is simply being 'unreasonable' or 'blinkered' or 'lacking the good grace to admit they're wrong, or at least enter into a sensible discussion'.



Hmm there probably is a better word but it is proving elusive.

Answer 2

They are a nit-picker.They like to nit-pick at insignificant details.

Answer 3

I was wondering the same thing too yesterday

Answer 4

obsessive

Answer 5

meticulous

Answer 6

How about "perseverate" ?