caviler
|cav-i-ler|
🇺🇸
/ˈkævələr/
🇬🇧
/ˈkævələ/
petty objector
Etymology
'caviler' originates from Middle English/Old French, specifically the word 'caviller', ultimately from Latin 'cavillari', where 'cavilla' meant 'jest' or 'mockery'.
'cavillari' in Latin developed into Old French/Anglo-French 'caviller' (and Middle English forms), and the agentive/nominal form evolved into the modern English 'caviler'.
Initially it was associated with 'mocking' or 'jeering', but over time it shifted to mean 'raising trivial objections' or 'quibbling' in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who makes petty objections or raises trivial criticisms; a quibbler.
Don't be such a caviler—focus on the main point instead of nitpicking.
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Antonyms
Adjective 1
tending to cavil; given to making petty objections or quibbling.
His caviler remarks distracted everyone from the important issues.
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Last updated: 2025/09/11 14:40