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Cavilling: meaning, definitions and examples

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cavilling

 

[ ˈkæv.ɪl.ɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

arguing details

Cavilling refers to the act of making petty or trivial objections or criticisms. It often involves raising minor issues or quibbling over insignificant details rather than addressing the main point or argument.

Synonyms

fuss, nitpick, quibble

Examples of usage

  • Stop cavilling and focus on the main issue.
  • He was cavilling over the wording of the contract.
  • Their debate turned into cavilling rather than constructive conversation.

Translations

Translations of the word "cavilling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cavilando

🇮🇳 बातें करना

🇩🇪 nörgeln

🇮🇩 mengeluh

🇺🇦 перебирати дрібниці

🇵🇱 czepiać się

🇯🇵 細かいことを言う

🇫🇷 chicaner

🇪🇸 quejarse

🇹🇷 mızmızlanmak

🇰🇷 트집 잡다

🇸🇦 تذمر

🇨🇿 hádky

🇸🇰 hádka

🇨🇳 挑剔

🇸🇮 pritoževati se

🇮🇸 kveinka

🇰🇿 шағымдану

🇬🇪 მტკივნეულად საუბარი

🇦🇿 şikayət etmək

🇲🇽 quejarse

Etymology

The term 'cavil' originates from the late Middle Ages, deriving from the Latin word 'cavillari', which means 'to jest or to quibble'. This term entered the English language in the 15th century and was used to describe instances of petty argument or sharp dispute. The related form 'cavilling' takes this concept further by emphasizing the act of making an objection over trivial matters, often in a more pronounced manner. Historically, it reflects the tendency in legal and philosophical discussions where participants may distract from more significant issues by focusing on minor details, highlighting both the challenges of effective communication and the inclination for debate prevalent in human discourse.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,309, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.