Niggle: meaning, definitions and examples

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niggle

 

[ หˆnษชษกl ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

minor annoyance

To niggle means to cause slight but persistent discomfort or worry. It often refers to something that bothers or annoys you in a small way, rather than a major issue. This term can also imply a sense of worry that provokes an anxious feeling, particularly about details that may seem insignificant. Niggle can also refer to the act of making petty or trivial complaints.

Synonyms

bother, irritate, nag, pester

Examples of usage

  • I can't focus because something keeps niggling at me.
  • She niggles about the way I do my chores.
  • His conscience niggled him after he told a small lie.
Context #2 | Noun

persistent worry

A niggle can refer to a minor annoyance or a slight feeling of discomfort. It is often used to describe a small worry or complaint that lingers in someone's mind. This term encapsulates those little thoughts that can distract you, even if they are not serious. In this context, a niggle could refer to a minor issue or concern that you can't quite shake off.

Synonyms

annoyance, concern, worry

Examples of usage

  • I have a niggle about whether I locked the door.
  • Her niggle regarding the project deadline kept her awake.
  • There's a niggle in my mind about that decision.

Translations

Translations of the word "niggle" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น preocupar-se

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคšเคฟเค‚เคคเคฟเคค เค•เคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช sich sorgen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mengkhawatirkan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั…ะฒะธะปัŽะฒะฐั‚ะธัั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ martwiฤ‡ siฤ™

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฟƒ้…ใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท s'inquiรฉter

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ preocuparse

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท endiลŸelenmek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฑฑ์ •ํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠู‚ู„ู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ znepokojovat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ znepokojovaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‹…ๅฟง

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ skrbeti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รณrรณa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐะปะฐาฃะดะฐัƒัˆั‹ะปั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒฃแƒฌแƒ•แƒ“แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ narahat olmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ preocuparse

Etymology

The word 'niggle' traces its origins back to the late 18th century and is believed to be of Scottish origin, possibly linked to the word 'nig', which means to be niggardly or stingy. The usage of 'niggle' has evolved over time, initially capturing the sense of being overly particular or petty. It was often used in a context to describe someone who was overly concerned with trivial matters. By the 19th century, the term began to reflect not just pettiness, but also a persistent feeling of worry or discomfort. Its continued evolution has cemented 'niggle' as a term reflecting nagging feelings or minor irritations, often used in both spoken and written English. Today, it embodies more than just a trivial annoyance; it has come to signify a broader range of subtle internal conflicts or disturbances.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,048, 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.