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.
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.