Enter the word for search

caviling

UK
/ˈkæv.ɪ.lɪŋ/
US
/ˈkæv.ə.lɪŋ/

Translations

cavilingnoun
cavilings
pl
His constant caviling over minor details made the meeting drag on for hours.
Sa chicanerie constante sur des détails mineurs a fait durer la réunion pendant des heures.
Additional translations
ergotageSurtout à l'oral ou dans un registre courant.
Synonyms
bickering
fuss
petty criticism
nitpicking
quibbling
cavilinggerund / present participle
UK
/ˈkæv.ɪ.lɪŋ/
US
/ˈkæv.ə.lɪŋ/
Used as an adjective derived from the present participle of the verb "cavil".
Her caviling nature made it difficult for her to enjoy the party, as she kept pointing out minor flaws in the decorations.
Son tempérament chicanier l'empêchait de profiter de la fête, car elle relevait sans cesse de petites imperfections dans la décoration.
Additional translations
ergoteurPlus fréquent pour une personne ou une attitude qui relève des détails avec excès.
cavilverb

caviling

Gerund

caviled
Past Simple
caviled
Past Participle
caviling
Gerund
UK
/ˈkæv.ɪl/
US
/ˈkæv.əl/
chipoterFamilier; exprime le fait de faire des objections insignifiantes.
She would cavil at every minor detail in the proposal, slowing down the entire process.
Elle chipotait sur chaque détail mineur de la proposition, ce qui ralentissait tout le processus.
Additional translations
ergoterPlus soutenu; s’emploie pour des objections pointilleuses ou de pure forme.
Synonyms
nitpick
argue
debate
quibble
split hairs
bicker
cavilgerund / present participle

caviling

Used attributively to describe someone given to petty fault-finding, e.g. "his cavilling remarks".
tatillonQui relève facilement de petites objections; souvent péjoratif.
The committee grew tired of his cavilling attitude.
Le comité s’est lassé de son attitude tatillonne.
Additional translations
pinailleurPlus familier; personne qui relève sans cesse des détails insignifiants.

Definitions

cavilingnoun
The act of making petty or unnecessary objections.
His constant caviling over minor details made the meeting drag on for hours.
cavilinggerund / present participle
Tending to find fault or raise petty objections.
Her caviling nature made it difficult for her to enjoy the party, as she kept pointing out minor flaws in the decorations.
cavilverb
To make petty or unnecessary objections.
She would cavil at every minor detail in the proposal, slowing down the entire process.
To raise petty objections to; to find trivial fault with (something).
Reviewers cavilled the novel for its unconventional structure.
cavilgerund / present participle
Inclined to raise trivial objections; pettily critical.
The committee grew tired of his cavilling attitude.
OverviewPhrasesExamplesAI ExpertDictionaries
Active Dictionary Company Limited 7/F, MW Tower, 111 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong