Caviler Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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caviler

[ˈkævəˌlɪər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

personality trait

A person who is carefree, casual, or indifferent in attitude or behavior.

Synonyms

carefree, casual, indifferent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
caviler

When someone is being overly picky or critical about small, insignificant details.

  • He is such a caviler, always pointing out minor flaws in every project.
  • The boss acted like a caviler, focusing on trivial mistakes rather than the overall good work.
carefree

When someone is without worries, stress, or concerns, often enjoying the present moment.

  • They spent a carefree afternoon at the beach, not thinking about work or problems.
  • During the summer holidays, the children were carefree and happy.
casual

Describing something relaxed or informal, often in terms of clothing, attitude, or situations.

  • He wore casual clothes to the barbecue, like jeans and a t-shirt.
  • Their conversation was casual, just chatting about hobbies and weekend plans.
indifferent

When someone shows a lack of interest, concern, or enthusiasm towards something. This often has a negative connotation.

  • She was indifferent to the outcome of the meeting, not caring whether it succeeded or failed.
  • The student's indifferent attitude towards his studies worried his teachers.

Examples of usage

  • He was known as a caviler, always taking risks and living in the moment.
  • Her caviler attitude towards deadlines often got her into trouble at work.
Context #2 | Noun

historical context

A supporter of King Charles I of England during the English Civil War.

Synonyms

loyalist, royalist.

Examples of usage

  • The royalists were also known as cavaliers during the English Civil War.
  • The cavaliers were known for their loyalty to the king.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Cavilers are featured in literary works as characters who dismiss moral or serious issues, often leading to conflict.
  • Shakespeare often employed characters with cavalier attitudes to highlight themes of irony and social critique.

Psychology

  • People with cavalier attitudes may exhibit traits of cognitive dissonance, where they ignore uncomfortable truths to maintain their beliefs.
  • This behavior can sometimes stem from a desire to avoid uncomfortable conversations or responsibilities.

Philosophy

  • Cavalier attitudes can be linked to existentialist themes, where individuals may reject societal norms and responsibilities.
  • Philosophers argue that this mindset can lead to a lack of accountability and personal growth.

Pop Culture

  • Caviler-like characters are often depicted in movies and TV shows as seemingly carefree figures who eventually face the consequences of their indifference.
  • In many contemporary films, the cavalier archetype serves as a foil to more serious protagonists, highlighting the contrast in attitudes toward life’s challenges.

Origin of 'caviler'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'cavillari', meaning to quibble or to make trivial remarks.
  • In the 17th century, 'caviler' was often associated with royalists who supported King Charles I in England, sometimes mocking others without serious consideration.

The word 'cavalier' originated from the Italian word 'cavaliero,' meaning horseman or knight. In English, it first appeared in the 16th century with the meaning of a gallant or courtly gentleman. Over time, the term evolved to also represent a carefree or indifferent attitude. Additionally, during the English Civil War in the 17th century, the term 'cavalier' was used to describe supporters of King Charles I, known for their loyalty to the monarchy.


See also: cavil, caviling.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,257, 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.