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单词 caviling
释义

cavil

verb

cav·​il ˈka-vəl How to pronounce cavil (audio)
caviled or cavilled; caviling or cavilling ˈka-və-liŋ How to pronounce cavil (audio)
ˈkav-liŋ

intransitive verb

: to raise trivial and frivolous objection
The author caviled about the design of the book's cover.

transitive verb

: to raise trivial objections to
He caviled the conditions of the agreement.
cavil noun
caviler noun
or caviller
ˈka-və-lər How to pronounce cavil (audio)
ˈkav-lər

Did you know?

You must be joking! That's just one of the things you might be tempted to exclaim if you found yourself quarreling with a caviler - and you'd be right, etymologically speaking at least. Cavil derives from the Latin verb cavillari, meaning "to jest" or "to raise silly objections," which in turn derives from the Latin noun cavilla, meaning "raillery." In case you're wondering, "cavil" is not related to the adjective "cavalier" ("marked by or given to offhand and often disdainful dismissal of important matters"). "Cavalier," which is also a noun for a gentleman trained in arms and horsemanship, traces back via Middle French to the Late Latin caballarius, meaning "horseman."

Synonyms

  • carp
  • fuss
  • niggle
  • nitpick
  • quibble
See all Synonyms & Antonyms

Example Sentences

I don't intend to cavil or compromise. A customer caviled about the price.
Recent Examples on the Web As much as Republicans want to cavil about the efficiency of state government, the truth is that the healthcare system in place now is the very antithesis of effectiveness and efficiency. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2022 However, the actual interiors of this four-bedroom home are nothing to cavil at. Kelly Corbett, House Beautiful, 7 Oct. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Latin cavillari to jest, cavil, from cavilla raillery; akin to Latin calvi to deceive — more at calumny

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

caviling 1 of 2

adjective

variants or cavilling
as in critical
given to making or expressing unfavorable judgments about things a caviling theater critic who has yet to see a play she likes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
  • critical
  • carping
  • captious
  • faultfinding
  • hypercritical
  • judicious
  • judgmental
  • overcritical
  • rejective
  • discerning
  • pettifogging
  • quibbling
  • discriminating
  • fastidious
  • finicky
  • particular
  • merciless
  • demanding
  • finical
  • uncharitable
  • harsh
  • exacting
  • fussy
  • picky
  • unforgiving
  • nitpicky

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

  • uncritical
  • undiscriminating
  • undemanding
  • charitable
  • forgiving
  • unfussy

caviling

2 of 2

verb

variants or cavilling
present participle of cavil
as in carping
to make often peevish criticisms or objections about matters that are minor, unimportant, or irrelevant caviled for hours about a single sentence

Synonyms & Similar Words

  • carping
  • complaining
  • moaning
  • quibbling
  • nitpicking
  • whining
  • niggling
  • muttering
  • criticizing
  • splitting hairs
  • bitching
  • bellyaching
  • grousing
  • faulting
  • fussing
  • grumbling
  • whimpering
  • griping
  • yammering
  • kvetching
  • growling
  • wailing
  • squawking
  • yawping
  • murmuring
  • kicking
  • beefing
  • squealing
  • yowling
  • crabbing
  • croaking
  • yauping

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

  • praising
  • commending
  • recommending
  • approving
  • supporting
  • applauding
  • endorsing
  • complimenting
  • backing
  • championing
  • indorsing
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更新时间:2024/12/23 14:11:38