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Cavilled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cavilled

[ˈkæv.ɪld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

argue pointlessly

To cavilled means to make trivial or petty objections, often in a way that is unnecessarily nitpicking. It suggests a focus on insignificant details rather than the overall argument or subject matter at hand. This term is often used in legal contexts or in philosophical discussions where rigorous debate can lead to squabbling over minor issues. While having a productive debate is important, cavilling can obstruct meaningful discourse.

Synonyms

fuss, nitpick, quibble, splitting hairs.

Examples of usage

  • The committee spent hours cavilling over the wording of the proposal.
  • He always finds a way to cavill at my suggestions, making collaboration difficult.
  • Instead of discussing the main points, they chose to cavill about minor inaccuracies.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, cavilling can be used to describe a party's focus on minor flaws in an argument rather than settled issues.
  • Lawyers might use this tactic to distract from the main point of the case.
  • Cavilling often leads to lengthy debates and compromises, complicating resolution.

Psychology

  • Engaging in cavilling can sometimes indicate insecurity, as individuals may nitpick to assert control.
  • It may also stem from perfectionism, where one feels compelled to fix small issues to achieve ideal outcomes.
  • People who frequently cavil might find it hard to maintain relationships due to their focus on trivial matters.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have examined cavilling as a tactic to undermine serious discourse, causing distractions from important debates.
  • The term illustrates how seemingly minor disagreements can escalate into larger conflicts.
  • Cavilling can represent a deeper unease about the underlying issues in a discussion.

Literature

  • Cavilling characters often appear in literature to create comedic or frustrating scenarios, highlighting human nature.
  • Classic novels have depicted characters who engage in cavilling, showcasing societal critiques about triviality.
  • Cavilling can serve as a narrative device to propel conflict and tension in storytelling.

Origin of 'cavilled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cavil' comes from the Latin 'cacivus', which means 'to quibble' or 'to jest'.
  • It entered English in the 16th century, originally referring to a trivial objection.
  • Cavilling can be linked to the idea of nitpicking, where people focus on minor faults during discussions.

The word 'cavilled' is derived from the Latin verb 'cavillari', which means to jest or to make trivial objections. It entered the English language in the early 17th century, evolving from its Latin roots through Old French as 'caviller'. Historically, the term has been used within legal contexts, reflecting situations where parties engaged in debates were concerned about minutiae that could potentially change the interpretation of a point. Over the years, 'cavilled' has come to signify not just legalistic arguments, but any instance of engaging in pointless or pedantic discussions. This etymology points to the longstanding human behavior of focusing on minor details at the expense of broader understanding or progress.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,295, 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.