Nugatory: meaning, definitions and examples

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nugatory

 

[ ˈnjuːɡəˌtɔːri ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

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.

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

Etymology

The term 'nugatory' originates from the Latin word 'nugatorius', which means 'trifling' or 'worthless'. The Latin root comes from 'nugari', which means 'to trifle' or 'to joke'. It was first used in English around the early 17th century. Over time, 'nugatory' has maintained its association with something of little or no value. It often appears in legal terminology, highlighting matters that lack relevance or significance in legal proceedings. The word serves to underscore the dismissal of issues deemed unworthy of further discussion or consideration. Its use in modern language reflects a critical or evaluative standpoint when assessing the importance of claims, evidence, or arguments in various contexts, particularly in law and formal discussions.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,488, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.