Langimage
English

niggles

|nig-gles|

B2

/ˈnɪɡəlz/

(niggle)

minor annoyance

Base FormPluralPresent3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent Participle
nigglenigglesnigglesnigglesniggledniggledniggling
Etymology
Etymology Information

'niggle' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'nigelen,' where 'nigelen' meant 'to be fussy or finicky.'

Historical Evolution

'nigelen' transformed into the modern English word 'niggle' through gradual phonetic changes.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to be fussy or finicky,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to cause slight annoyance or discomfort.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

small or trivial complaints or annoyances.

He had a few niggles about the new policy.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 1

to cause slight but persistent annoyance, discomfort, or anxiety.

The loose button niggles at me.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/04/25 06:01