Cavilling meaning

Cavilling is the act of finding fault or raising petty objections, often unfairly or unreasonably.


Cavilling definitions

Word backwards gnillivac
Part of speech The word "cavilling" is a verb form as it is the present participle of the verb "cavil".
Syllabic division cav-il-ling
Plural The plural of the word "cavilling" is cavillings.
Total letters 9
Vogais (2) a,i
Consonants (5) c,v,l,n,g

Cavilling: Understanding the Art of Criticism

What is Cavilling?

Cavilling is a term that refers to the act of making petty or unnecessary objections or criticisms. It involves finding fault in someone else's arguments, actions, or beliefs. In essence, cavilling is the act of nitpicking or hypercriticism where someone continuously finds flaws or faults in a particular subject matter.

The Nature of Cavilling

Individuals who engage in cavilling often focus on minor details rather than the overall big picture. They may intentionally seek out imperfections to critique, even if these flaws do not significantly impact the overall message or quality of the subject at hand. Cavilling can be seen as a disruptive behavior that hinders constructive discussions and progress.

How to Address Cavilling

When faced with cavilling, it is essential to consider the critic's intentions and the validity of their criticisms. Sometimes, the criticisms raised through cavilling may have merit and can provide valuable insights for improvement. However, it is crucial to differentiate between constructive criticism and mere cavilling to dismiss irrelevant objections.

Impact of Cavilling

Constant cavilling can lead to a negative atmosphere where collaboration and constructive feedback are stifled. It can create a sense of hostility and defensiveness, making it challenging to work towards common goals. Recognizing the difference between constructive feedback and cavilling is vital in fostering a positive and productive environment.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, cavilling is a behavior that involves excessively criticizing minor details without considering the bigger picture. While some criticisms may be valid and offer room for improvement, it is essential to distinguish between constructive feedback and unnecessary nitpicking. By fostering open communication and understanding, we can create a more collaborative and positive environment for growth and development.


Cavilling Examples

  1. She couldn't help but cavilling at every decision her boss made.
  2. The teacher found his student's constant cavilling to be disruptive in class.
  3. Despite the success of the project, there were still some cavilling critics.
  4. His cavilling comments added unnecessary tension to the conversation.
  5. The company's policy was met with cavilling remarks from the employees.
  6. The reviews were mostly positive, with only a few cavilling complaints.
  7. Her cavilling attitude made it difficult for others to work with her.
  8. Instead of appreciating the effort, he continued cavilling about the minor details.
  9. The team's success was overshadowed by the cavilling of a few members.
  10. Despite the positive outcome, there were still cavilling skeptics.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 01/07/2024 - 19:18:04