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Caviling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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caviling

[ˈkavɪlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a critical or pedantic manner

Find fault with small or pettifogging objections; raise trivial objections.

Synonyms

carp, nitpick, quibble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
caviling

Caviling is used when someone complains or raises small objections unnecessarily. It often implies that the person is being overly critical or picky about trivial matters.

  • Stop caviling about the minor details and focus on the bigger picture.
  • His constant caviling over insignificant issues frustrated his colleagues.
nitpick

Nitpick is used when someone is being extremely critical about very small or trivial details. It often suggests an unnecessary level of scrutiny that can be irritating to others.

  • He tends to nitpick every single detail of the report, which slows down the entire process.
  • Can we avoid nitpicking and just agree on the main points?
quibble

Quibble is used when someone argues or raises objections about a trivial matter. It's often used in contexts where the person is seen as being unnecessarily argumentative over something insignificant.

  • Let's not quibble over the exact wording of the contract; the main terms are what matter.
  • She would quibble about the smallest issues, which made negotiations difficult.
carp

Carp is typically used in a negative sense to describe someone who complains or finds fault continually, usually about minor issues. It conveys a sense of annoyance with the person doing the carping.

  • She started to carp about the food as soon as it was served.
  • Instead of being appreciative, he always finds something to carp about.

Examples of usage

  • He never missed an opportunity of caviling at the verdicts of the court.
Context #2 | Noun

criticism or objections that are trivial or unnecessary

The practice of making petty or unnecessary objections.

Synonyms

niggling, pettifogging, quibbling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
caviling

Used when someone is making petty or unnecessary objections or raising trivial issues, often in a nagging or frivolous manner.

  • She was constantly caviling about the smallest details of the project.
  • Instead of caviling over minor points, let's focus on the main issue.

Examples of usage

  • His constant caviling about the smallest details was starting to irritate everyone in the team.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People who frequently engage in caviling may be seen as perfectionists, often striving for unattainable standards.
  • Psychological studies suggest that the act of focusing on minor flaws can lead to increased anxiety and dissatisfaction.
  • This behavior can stem from a need for control or a fear of failure, manifesting in relentless critique.

Literature

  • Caviling often appears in classic literature, where characters engage in lengthy debates over trivial matters, highlighting societal norms.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters like Hamlet demonstrate caviling behavior when overthinking decisions.
  • Modern novels sometimes use caviling to illustrate flawed communication between characters, enhancing conflict.

Pop Culture

  • In comedy shows, characters may be portrayed as caviling over mundane topics, humorously exaggerating their disputes.
  • Reality TV often features contestants engaging in caviling, creating drama and entertainment for viewers.
  • Online forums are rife with examples where users caviling about trivial issues leads to heated debates over seemingly minor topics.

Legal Context

  • In legal terminology, caviling refers to raising objections based on minor details rather than substantial arguments.
  • Judges often address caviling to maintain focus on significant issues during court proceedings.
  • Lawyers are sometimes criticized for caviling as it can prolong cases unnecessarily, wasting time and resources.

Origin of 'caviling'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'cavil' derives from the Latin word 'cavillari', which means to quibble or jest.
  • 'Caviling' entered the English language in the 16th century, often used in legal contexts.
  • Historically, it has been associated with courtroom disputes, where lawyers would nitpick over trivial details.

The word 'caviling' originated from the Middle English word 'cavilen', which in turn came from the Old French word 'caviller' meaning 'to reason, mock, or quibble'. The term has evolved over time to represent the act of finding fault or raising trivial objections. It has been used in English language literature and discourse for centuries to describe criticism or objections that are considered petty or unnecessary.

See also: cavil, caviler.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,437, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.