Cavilling: meaning, definitions and examples
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cavilling
[ ˈkæv.ɪl.ɪŋ ]
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
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
Word origin
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.
- ...
- 37306 abominate
- 37307 expediently
- 37308 palindrome
- 37309 cavilling
- 37310 ogled
- 37311 debauching
- 37312 purveying
- ...