Cavillatory

/kæˈvɪlətɔːri/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characterized by caviling; prone to making petty objections or complaints.

Etymology

Formed from Latin 'cavillator' (a mocker) with the English adjective suffix '-y,' creating an adjective meaning 'of or relating to caviling.' This is a more formal or literary term.

Kelly Says

Cavillatory is barely used today—it's one of those wonderful dead adjectives that English creates but then abandons for simpler words like 'nitpicky' or 'critical'!

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