Niggling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
niggling
[หnษชษก(ษ)lษชล ]
Definitions
in a minor or annoying way
Causing slight but persistent annoyance, discomfort, or anxiety.
Synonyms
bothersome, irritating, troublesome.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| niggling |
Used to describe small, persistent annoyances or worries that are often minor but can accumulate over time.
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| irritating |
Describes something that causes more pronounced frustration or annoyance, often to a higher degree than 'bothersome'.
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| troublesome |
Used for situations or things that cause problems or difficulties, often requiring time and effort to resolve.
|
| bothersome |
Refers to something that causes minor irritation or inconvenience, but is not usually serious.
|
Examples of usage
- He had a niggling doubt in the back of his mind.
- The niggling pain in her shoulder wouldn't go away.
to worry or annoy
To worry or annoy (someone) by persistent fault-finding or complaining.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| niggling |
This word is used to describe a small but constant worry or discomfort that persists over time. It's often used in situations where something is slightly annoying but not enough to cause major concern.
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| irritate |
Irritate is used for something that causes annoyance or slight anger. It usually has a stronger emotional component and can also refer to physical discomfort, such as a reaction to an allergen.
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| bother |
Bother is commonly used to talk about something that causes minor inconvenience or annoyance. It can describe both emotional and physical disturbances, often in everyday situations.
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| provoke |
This word is more intense and is used to describe something that causes a strong reaction, often anger or another strong emotion. It can also mean to stimulate or bring about a response or action.
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Examples of usage
- Stop niggling me about the small details!
- She niggled at him until he finally gave in.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Niggling thoughts can reflect underlying anxiety, often resurfacing due to unresolved issues or fears.
- The phenomenon is closely related to cognitive distortions where small worries grow larger in a person's mind, leading to overthinking.
- Mindfulness techniques can help address niggling thoughts by bringing awareness to the present and reducing their impact.
Literature
- Famous authors often use niggling feelings to depict a character's inner turmoil, illustrating how small annoyances can signal larger emotional struggles.
- The repetitive nature of niggling concerns is a common thematic element in works exploring mental health and obsession.
- The word appears frequently in poetry to convey subtle emotional states, enhancing the depth of expression.
Pop Culture
- In popular films, a characterโs nagging doubts often lead to significant plot developments, showcasing the power of niggling thoughts.
- Several songs address niggling feelings that prevent one from moving forward, often tying them to themes of love or regret.
- TV shows often humorously portray niggling details in relationships, highlighting how minor disagreements can escalate.
Everyday Life
- People frequently mention niggling tasks on to-do lists, which represent small chores that linger and cause mild stress.
- In work environments, niggling issues might be minor conflicts or repetitive processes that gradually affect team morale.
- Researchers point out that ignoring niggling problems can lead to larger issues later, emphasizing the importance of addressing small annoyances.
Origin of 'niggling'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the early 19th century, possibly stemming from an obsolete English term meaning to fuss or to play with.
- It relates to a sense of unease or discomfort, being derived from the Scottish word 'niggle', which means to fret or be concerned.
- Initially, it often described a minor worry or concern before expanding to describe any small annoyance.
The word 'niggling' originated from the verb 'niggle' which dates back to the 16th century. It is believed to have derived from the Middle English word 'nygelen', meaning to torment or gnaw. Over time, 'niggling' has evolved to describe something that causes minor annoyance or discomfort.