Nugatory: meaning, definitions and examples
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nugatory
[ˈnjuːɡəˌtɔːri ]
Definition
legal term
Nugatory refers to something that has no value, importance, or worth. It is often used in legal contexts to describe a fact or circumstance that is insignificant or inconsequential. For example, a nugatory claim in court may be dismissed due to its lack of merit. This term emphasizes the triviality of a matter, indicating that it does not warrant serious consideration.
Synonyms
insignificant, negligible, trivial, worthless.
Examples of usage
- The court ruled the evidence presented was nugatory.
- His arguments were deemed nugatory in the discussion.
- They considered the expenses nugatory in the grand scheme of things.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from the Latin word 'nugatorius,' which means 'worthless.'
- It has been used in the English language since the early 17th century, showcasing its long history.
- The word relates to the Latin 'nugae,' meaning 'trifles' or 'nonsense.'
Law
- In legal contexts, 'nugatory' can refer to claims or arguments that are fundamentally unimportant and do not affect a case.
- Some legal experts use the term to describe verdicts that do not have a real impact or bearing on the law.
- Certain laws may become nugatory when they are superseded by more recent regulations.
Philosophy
- In philosophical discussions, individuals may describe trivial pursuits or discussions as nugatory, questioning their significance.
- The concept of 'nugatory existence' sometimes appears in existential debates about the meaning of life and worthiness of actions.
- Philosophers like Kierkegaard have critiqued societal norms as producing nugatory outcomes that lack authenticity.
Literature
- Writers might describe insignificant aspects of life as nugatory to emphasize the importance of deeper themes.
- In poetry, the word is often used to convey a sense of futility or triviality in human actions or emotions.
- Classic literature sometimes portrays characters who engage in nugatory endeavors, highlighting flaws or societal critique.
Psychology
- In cognitive psychology, nugatory thoughts can manifest as negative self-talk that diminishes personal worth.
- Psychologists often encourage focusing on positive affirmations instead of nugatory beliefs that hinder personal growth.
- The concept also explores how individuals may perceive their own actions or lives as nugatory when faced with existential crises.
Translations
Translations of the word "nugatory" in other languages:
🇵🇹 nugatório
🇮🇳 निगरानी
🇩🇪 nichtig
🇮🇩 tidak berarti
🇺🇦 незначний
🇵🇱 nikły
🇯🇵 無意味な
🇫🇷 insignifiant
🇪🇸 insignificante
🇹🇷 önemsiz
🇰🇷 무의미한
🇸🇦 غير مهم
🇨🇿 bezvýznamný
🇸🇰 bezvýznamný
🇨🇳 无意义的
🇸🇮 nepomemben
🇮🇸 ómerkilegur
🇰🇿 мағынасыз
🇬🇪 არასერიოზული
🇦🇿 əhəmiyyətsiz
🇲🇽 insignificante