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Cavil - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Cavil means to make petty or unnecessary objections, often over minor details. It is used to describe someone who complains or criticizes in a trivial or annoying way.

cavil

/ˈkævəl/ /ˈkævɪl/

Definition:

To make petty or unnecessary objections, often over trivial matters.

Synonyms:

quibble, nitpick, carp, complain

Part of Speech:

verb, noun

Antonyms:

approve, praise

Common Collocations:

cavil at details, cavil endlessly, cavil over trifles

Derivatives:

caviler, caviling, cavilled

Usage Tips:

Use 'cavil' to describe minor complaints; avoid for serious criticism.

Common Phrases:

cavil at small things, find fault and cavil, endless caviling

Etymology:

From Latin *cavillari*, meaning to jest or mock; later evolved to mean petty objections.

Examples:

  • 1. She tends to cavil about minor errors in reports.
  • 2. Don’t cavil over every tiny mistake; focus on the big picture.
  • 3. His constant caviling made the meeting tedious and unproductive.
  • 4. Critics who cavil at small flaws miss the book’s brilliance.

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