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Caviled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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caviled

[ˈkæv.ɪld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

To caviled is to raise trivial objections or to nitpick, often in a legal setting. This term signifies the act of making a minor complaint or quarrel about something that is generally accepted. It's commonly used when discussing debates or arguments where the focus is placed on insignificant aspects, rather than the main points at issue. While caviling can serve to clarify certain points, it can also lead to unnecessary complications in discussions.

Synonyms

haggle, nitpick, quibble, split hairs.

Examples of usage

  • The lawyer caviled at the evidence presented.
  • They caviled about the wording of the contract.
  • During the debate, he began to caviled over irrelevant details.
  • The committee caviled over the minor regulations.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'caviled'

The term 'cavil' dates back to the Middle English period, originating from the Latin word 'cavillari', which means to talk nonsense or to jest. The usage of the term in legal discourse became more prominent in the 16th century as legal practitioners began to identify and criticize baseless objections in legal arguments. Over time, 'caviling' evolved to encompass not just legal disputes but also other areas of discussion where trivial details are scrutinized inappropriately. The term reflects a broader cultural tendency to focus on minutiae instead of the substantive issues, demonstrating how language evolves with societal norms and interactions.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,890, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.