caviling
|cav-il-ing|
/ˈkævəlɪŋ/
(cavil)
petty objections
Etymology
'cavil' originates from Late Latin, specifically the verb 'cavillari', where 'cavilla' meant 'jest, mockery'.
'cavil' changed from Late Latin 'cavillari' into Italian/Old French forms (e.g. 'cavillare') and entered English in the 16th century as 'cavil'.
Initially, it meant 'to mock or jest', but over time it evolved into the current sense of 'to raise petty objections or quibble'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act of raising trivial or petty objections; captious criticism.
Caviling over minor details won't help us finish the project on time.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
present participle form of 'cavil' (to raise trivial or frivolous objections; to quibble).
He kept caviling about the font size instead of addressing the real problem.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
characterized by making petty or unnecessary objections; captious; carping.
Her caviling comments distracted everyone from the main issue.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/11/25 23:39