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Quibble: meaning, definitions and examples

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quibble

 

[ ˈkwɪbəl ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

in conversation

Argue or raise objections about a trivial matter. Quibbling often leads to unnecessary disputes.

Synonyms

argue, debate, dispute, nitpick

Examples of usage

  • Stop quibbling about the minor details and focus on the main issue at hand.
  • She tends to quibble over every little decision, which can be frustrating for those around her.
Context #2 | Noun

legal context

A slight objection or criticism, especially on a legal or technical point. Quibbles are often used to challenge the validity of an argument or statement.

Synonyms

cavil, criticism, objection

Examples of usage

  • The lawyer's quibble about the wording of the contract delayed the proceedings.
  • His quibble regarding the evidence presented raised doubts about the case.

Translations

Translations of the word "quibble" in other languages:

🇵🇹 discutir por detalhes insignificantes

🇮🇳 छोटी बात पर बहस करना

🇩🇪 sich über Kleinigkeiten streiten

🇮🇩 mempersoalkan hal sepele

🇺🇦 сваритися через дрібниці

🇵🇱 spierać się o drobiazgi

🇯🇵 些細なことで口論する

🇫🇷 chicaner

🇪🇸 discutir por nimiedades

🇹🇷 önemsiz şeyler için tartışmak

🇰🇷 사소한 일로 다투다

🇸🇦 المجادلة في الأمور التافهة

🇨🇿 dohadovat se o maličkosti

🇸🇰 hádať sa o maličkosti

🇨🇳 为小事争论

🇸🇮 prepirati se zaradi malenkosti

🇮🇸 rífast um smáatriði

🇰🇿 ұсақ-түйекке таласу

🇬🇪 წვრილმანებზე კამათი

🇦🇿 xırda şeylər üstündə mübahisə etmək

🇲🇽 discutir por nimiedades

Etymology

The word 'quibble' originated in the late 16th century from the obsolete sense of 'quip' as a taunt or a jibe. It evolved to refer to a slight objection or criticism, especially in legal contexts. The verb form of 'quibble' emerged later, around the early 17th century, to describe the act of arguing or raising objections about trivial matters.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,971, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.