Cavilled meaning

To "cavil" means to quibble or raise trivial objections.


Cavilled definitions

Word backwards dellivac
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "cavilled" is a verb.
Syllabic division cav-illed
Plural The plural of cavilled is cavilled. It does not change in its plural form.
Total letters 8
Vogais (3) a,i,e
Consonants (4) c,v,l,d

When someone cavilled, they are finding fault or raising petty objections. It often involves nitpicking or being overly critical about something. This term is synonymous with quibbling or nitpicking and is often used in a negative context.

Cavilled can be used in various situations, such as in discussions, debates, or critiques. It implies that someone is focusing on minor details rather than looking at the bigger picture. People who cavilled may be seen as overly critical or hard to please.

Examples of Cavilling

One example of cavilling could be pointing out minor grammatical errors in a well-written essay rather than focusing on the overall argument or message. Another example could be criticizing someone's outfit based on small imperfections rather than appreciating their effort or style choices.

Impact of Cavilling

Constantly cavilling can have a negative impact on relationships and communication. It can create tension, breed resentment, and make it challenging to collaborate effectively. Instead of fostering productive discussions or providing constructive feedback, cavilling can derail conversations and hinder progress.

Addressing Cavilling

If you notice yourself or others engaging in cavilling, it may be helpful to step back and assess the situation. Consider the intention behind the criticisms and whether they are truly necessary or valuable. Encouraging a more positive and constructive approach to communication can help reduce cavilling behaviors and promote healthier interactions.


Cavilled Examples

  1. She cavilled at the proposal, finding fault with every detail.
  2. The critic cavilled over the actor's performance, nitpicking each line delivery.
  3. Despite the success of the event, some attendees still found reasons to cavil.
  4. He was known to cavil at any suggestion that went against his beliefs.
  5. The customer continued to cavil about the service, demanding a refund.
  6. Her tendency to cavil over the smallest issues made her difficult to work with.
  7. The reporters cavilled over the politician's statements, questioning their accuracy.
  8. Some people are quick to cavil without fully understanding the situation.
  9. Don't waste your time cavilling about insignificant details.
  10. It's easy to cavil from the sidelines, but much harder to take action.


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  • Updated 01/07/2024 - 19:17:24